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Cold comfort for Antarctic fans

10/06/2010 07:43:32 PM Comments (0)

Die-hard Australian soccer fans will tune into the World Cup from one of the harshest locations on the planet - the icy wastes of Antarctica.

About a dozen supporters will gather at remote and wind-swept Casey Station to hear Internet-streamed radio commentary over the common room's speakers when the event starts on Friday.

"It's very mild today - minus 10," station electrician Mark Baker told AFP by phone on Thursday.

"Hopefully we'll get a few of us listening to all the games. We've got about three or four die-hard football fans but the rest are not so excited. We'll try to get as much interest as possible."

The fans, mainly maintenance crew who keep the station running over the harsh Antarctic winter, are about 1,000 kilometres from the nearest humans, at other science bases.

They qualify as among the World Cup's most isolated followers.

"A few of the guys have got their Socceroos jerseys down here, so we'll be encouraging everyone to wear them - hopefully for the World Cup final," Baker said.

The World Cup will enliven a year-long stint for 36-year-old Baker, a Birmingham City fan who said he will print out the World Cup draw and allocate a team to each of his colleagues.

Casey's other leisure options include golf on metre-thick ice over the nearby bay, or simply admiring the stunning view - as long as you don't stray too far from camp.

"Every time you wander down the street and you look towards the sea and shoreline, it's pretty spectacular," Baker said.

"Now the wind's probably six knots (11 kilometres) but within a few hours it can pick right up to 60 knots. It can take you by surprise so you've got to be careful."

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