Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Attendance figures at the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 have surpassed the final figure reached in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.
After the completion of Thursday’s first two quarter-finals 465,381 fans have attended the matches surging past the total of 421,000 four years ago.
“The fans are making this a truly remarkable festival of football. The overwhelming support is heartening, and we are on course to surpass our initial attendance estimation which is a wonderful achievement,” said Dato’ Alex Soosay, General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation.
“We are focused on giving fans a great football experience, and the increasing support is further proof that we have been doing just that.”
A total of 23,381 watched the Korea Republic against Uzbekistan game in Melbourne, while Australia’s win over China saw 46,067 fans watch the action.
Match highlights: China 0-2 Australia
Match highlights: Korea Republic 2-0 Uzbekistan
“Australians have responded with great enthusiasm and passion for this tournament and turned out in fantastic numbers,” Local Organising Committee CEO Michael Brown said.
“We've seen football fans, multicultural communities and the wider sporting audience turning up for the games in every city and I want to thank them for their support.
“I am proud of the great spirit in which the football has been played and in which the fans have celebrated and supported their teams.”
Iran play Iraq on Friday in Canberra while Japan meet UAE in Sydney.
Photo: WSG