Soccer fans in Echuca-Moama have been tuning in to cheer on their teams at the World Cup over the past two weeks.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
People from all over the world live in the twin cities, with several of the 48 countries competing for the sport’s most-coveted trophy being cheered on by residents.
With the event currently in the latter stages of the group phase, a host of soccer fanatics and members of the Echuca-Moama Border Raiders have explained who they are supporting at the tournament, and predicted a winner.
Rish Kothari, Border Raiders men’s player
Relatively new to the sport, Kothari is a regular starter and team manager of the Border Raiders men's side.
His favourite memory of the World Cup was watching Belgium's golden generation bounce back from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 with a 95th minute winner in 2018.
Who do you support?
India. We’ve never been to a World Cup, but I think Australia will go to the round of 16.
Who is your tip?
France.
Adrian Richardson, Border Raiders men’s coach
Border Raiders life member Adrian Richardson has been with the club since its inception as a player, coach and committee member, winning a few trophies along the way.
Richardson has also operated in roles beyond the club, from refereeing appointments to representative coaching roles.
Australia’s first ever World Cup goal in 2006, when Tim Cahill equalised against Japan, is one Richardson will never forget, particularly the forward’s infamous corner flag celebration.
Who do you support?
Australia. If they can continue to play football on their terms, they can make the quarter-final.
Who is your tip?
Spain.
Paige Pinson, Border Raiders women co-coach
A mainstay at the Border Raiders, Pinson has been with the club since she was seven, winning five championships and several best-and-fairest awards.
Having played overseas and semi-professionally, Pinson is using her experiences to guide the next generation of Border Raiders women as a playing co-coach.
Her best World Cup memory is simply watching England with her dad.
Who do you support?
Australia, as far as they can get until they play England.
Who is your tip?
England.
Toby Song, former Border Raider
Song is a former senior player at the Border Raiders and a past winner of the Clubman of the Year Award.
He loved the 2002 World Cup held in South Korea and Japan, when he was able to watch matches in his home country.
Song also owns a South Korea training jacket from the tournament, given to him by Lee Young-pyo, a national team player at the time.
Who do you support?
South Korea. I think we can make the quarter-finals.
Who is your tip?
Argentina.
Dave Gowler
A Kiwi football tragic, Gowler recently started supporting the latest A-League franchise Auckland FC to go along with being an avid Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
Gowler is also a five-a-side player with the Caledonian Hotel Crusaders, often found scoring goals for the side.
Who do you support?
New Zealand. Hopefully we are undefeated like our last cup run.
Who is your tip?
Spain.
Rob Foran
A life member and under-18 captain during the Border Raiders’ inaugural season, Foran is currently providing assistance in an interim coaching role with the senior men’s side.
His favourite World Cup moment was watching the infamous John Aloisi penalty against Uruguay in 2005, one that qualified Australia for its first World Cup appearance in three decades. Foran says he rewatches the goal to pump himself up for big games.
Who do you support?
Australia. We’ll win our first World Cup knockout match in history to reach the round of 16.
Who is your tip?
Morocco (anyone not from Europe or South America).
Alan Davidson, former Border Raider
A proud Scot, Davidson started his playing days back in his homeland before coming to Echuca-Moama and being a previous Bendigo League 2 best-and-fairest winner with the Border Raiders.
The 2026 tournament is a special one for Scotland, with Davidson over the moon to see his country playing at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Who do you support?
Scotland. We have a scary group, but I think we might make the knockouts.
Who is your tip?
Brazil.
Australia faces Paraguay in its third group game on Friday, June 26, with the Border Raiders meeting from 11am at the Caledonian Hotel, Echuca-Moama’s main hub for the World Cup, to watch the match.
Sweeps, raffles, prizes and lunch specials will be on offer throughout the game for those attending.
With a win and a loss from their opening two matches, the Socceroos are still in with a chance of progressing to the round of 32, but need a result against Paraguay.