For the second night in a row, thousands of fans travelled to Canberra Stadium to enjoy an Asian Cup fixture with many hopeful the competition would strengthen the capitals' soccer credentials.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Overcast and humid conditions were no problem for 5513 Qatar and United Arab Emirates fans, with many travelling from interstate to catch a glimpse of their national team.
Sunday night's crowd was less than the 12,552 people who watched South Korea clinch a 1-0 victory over Oman on Saturday, yet fans remained energetic as UAE seized a 4-1 victory.
With a combined crowd of 18,000 after two games, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr remains hopeful the seven games will attract close to 75,000 fans.
One Canberran in the stands was Patrick Rezek, of Conder, who said the success of the competition should demonstrate the capital was ready for an A-League team and investment.
"They should give us a youth A-League team in Canberra to start off with because we have the numbers to support it if that's what they're concerned about and we have a quality venue," he said.
"This type of event in Canberra is long overdue because every time the Socceroos have played here we've had a capacity crowd.
"A crowd of 12,000 for a non-Australia game on Saturday night was pretty good and I wouldn't be surprised if we see that for the coming games too, especially for the China and North Korea game which could be a full-house. "
Mohammed Al Noobi, 11, and his brother Essa, 9, travelled from Melbourne to catch a glimpse of the UAE team with their parents and proudly waves their scarves before the match.
"We're divided as we've got to go for the Socceroos too," said Mohammed. "If they clash together then we don't care who wins!".
But Mohammed and his brother were silenced during the 22nd minute of play when a stunning volley from Khalfan Ibrahim put Qatar briefly in the lead.
While many Gulf state fans were quick to sing and dance, some were happy to take time out of their weekend and relax with their families.
Hassan Ibrahim, who showed his support for the UAE with his children, said the competition had already proved popular with families.
"We were here on Saturday for the other match and have come back again today as the kids really enjoyed it," he said.
Like many Canberrans at the match, Cassie Lee and Samuel Parker decided to hedge their bets on the game with Qatar and UAE flags painted on each side of their cheeks.
