Socceroo Urges Schools to Show World Cup Match: 'Chuck it on the iPad'

The Socceroo's Call for Classroom Viewing

Socceroos defender Jason Geria has made a simple yet powerful request to Australian schools: "Let them watch it." With Australia needing only a draw against Paraguay to progress from the group stage in the World Cup, Geria believes students should be able to witness the crucial match at 12pm this Friday.

"If they could wheel some TVs into classrooms … I think they've all got iPads anyway, so just chuck it on the iPad," Geria suggested, highlighting the accessibility of technology in modern education.

World Cup Progression at Stake

Australia enters the match in a strong position, needing only a draw to make it out of the group stage for the second World Cup in a row. Even if they lose, the Socceroos could still finish above Paraguay in Group D and have a chance to advance as one of the top eight third-placed teams.

The teams have met five times previously, with Australia winning two and drawing three. Their most recent encounter was a 1-0 friendly win for Australia in 2010.

Building on Past World Cup Glory

The final group game in the 2022 World Cup delivered a memorable moment when Mat Leckie scored the winner against Denmark, sending the Socceroos through to the last 16 where they lost to eventual champions Argentina. Geria and others are hoping to create similar memorable moments in 2026.

Not wanting anyone to miss out on such a moment, SBS pundit and former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams also called for students and teachers to have the chance to watch the game live.

Workplace Viewing and Public Support

Interest in the Socceroos' crunch match extends beyond schools, as workplaces around the country brace for a lunchtime staff exodus ahead of Friday's noon kick-off. A survey commissioned by SBS found that three in four Australians planned to watch the World Cup, with 71% saying they should be able to watch at work.

Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade believes employers should allow their staff to watch the game at work, noting: "You should see the technology that they have now. No way in the world you should have a day off."

The Path Forward for Australian Football

Victorian public schools can screen the match if they want to, according to the department of education. Meanwhile, a petition for a public holiday to be issued if the Socceroos progress to the knockout stages has gained thousands of signatures.

As Australia faces Paraguay in what could be another historic moment for Australian football, the nation's support for the team continues to grow, both in educational institutions and workplaces across the country.