World Footy News

The International Cup teams attended the Telstra Dome last night to parade at half time, and to watch a great football spectacle, if not a great game. The great expectation of seeing Hawthorn star Lance Franklin and Carlton star Brendan Fevola achieve their 100th goal for the season drew a full house of over 49,000. Franklin achieved his in the first quarter and we have no official confirmation that any of the International Cup representatives were among the approximately 5000 people who rushed onto the ground to congratulate him (though there were reports that the Samoans were amongst them).

Fevola failed, just, to reach the mark himself at the end of the match, but the chance of the double kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Parade of Nations at half time saw all nations march out in alphabetical order (and included multicultural division teams - even Tonga whose attendance has been the source some mystery). There were some mixed responses to nations including some (hopefully good natured and based on sporting competitiveness) boos for NZ, Great Britain and the USA. The nations all assembled in the centre of the ground to be introduced before marching off again.

Some pictures of the night (including the Parade and invasion following Frankilin's 100th goal) below.