Samba and Socceroos: Queensland vows renewed world game focus

Queensland’s tourism minister has pledged to pivot more to the world game in his attempts to bring major events to the state, as he announced samba street parties ahead of the Socceroos’ upcoming matches against Brazil.

At Suncorp Stadium to announce Brazilian-style street parties ahead of the Socceroos’ matches against the South American powerhouse on September 25 in Townsville and in Brisbane four days later on the 29th, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said Queensland had scored an own-goal by not pursuing more matches in the past.

While Brisbane has hosted friendly Socceroos matches, such as the upcoming game against Brazil, the city has not hosted a competitive match since the 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final against China on January 22 that year – more than 11½ years ago.

There have been three World Cup cycles – Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026 – in which not a single qualifier was held in the Queensland capital.

“It goes to show that we’ve missed an opportunity for at least the last decade around football in this state,” Powell said.

“We’re great with league, we’re great with AFL, we’re doing a good job with union.

“Football is a space where we can move into and take to another level. This [Brazil] game is just the start.”

Brazil has selected a strong side for the two friendlies, with coach Carlo Ancelotti naming superstars such as Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona) and Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal) in the squad.

Powell said, with the matches set to attract thousands from interstate and overseas, he was “unapologetic” about becoming the events capital of Australia.

“We know that football brings crowds, and we want to get important games like qualifiers in the future,” he said.

Caxton Street would be closed to traffic before the September 29 match from 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 29, Powell said.

“It’s not just about what happens in the stadium; it’s about what happens in the city around us, whether that be here in Brisbane or up in Townsville,” he said.

“Full hotels, full cafes, full restaurants, and the party spilling out onto the streets.”

Four days earlier in Townsville, which would host the first game of the two-match series, Flinders Street would be closed for a street party featuring a Sneaky Sound System concert before the match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Townsville MP Adam Baillie said the eyes of the world would be on Townsville next Friday night.

“The minister talks about Queensland being the events capital of the nation, and we know Townsville is the sporting and events capital of the north,” he said.

“This is going to mean more heads on beds, more cheeks on seats, for our accommodation, our tourism, and our hospitality operators.”

Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce chief executive Valeria Noleto said south-east Queensland’s Brazilian community numbered more than 20,000, with many more thousands expected to travel to Townsville and Brisbane for the matches.

Noleto said she was even aware of Brazilians planning to make the trip from South America for the two friendlies.

“Many of us grew up watching football with our parents, grandparents, friends – I have the best memories with my dad watching football, and he would be so proud to see this happening here today,” she said.

“Because of this, we have the opportunity to share with our kids – who were born here, who were raised here – to create these collective memories.

“That means so much for us Brazilians.”

Noleto’s score prediction? 3-2 to Brazil.

“I am an Australian citizen too, so I’d be very happy with a draw too,” she said.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was expected to announce his squad on Friday.

The matches will be the first time the Brazil senior team have played in Queensland, although their under-23 Olympic side played at the Gabba during the Sydney 2000 Games, including a famous quarter-final loss to eventual gold medallists Cameroon.

During their last visit to Australia in 2017, Brazil played an Argentina side featuring Lionel Messi in front of 95,569 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing 1-0, before taking the Socceroos to the sword a few days later at the same venue, winning 4-0.

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