Australia wakes early for World Cup clash

The country has been celebrating the Australian men's soccer team's first knockout stage appearance in 16 years - its second-ever appearance in the round of 16.

Sydney's Opera House hyped up the city on Saturday night with its sails illuminated in green and gold.

The game means an early start for fans with the time difference in the host nation Qatar meaning kick-off is 6am Sydney time.

Cities across the country rushed to make bigger public spaces available for fans to watch the much-anticipated game after the jubilant scenes in Melbourne's Federation Square following the Socceroos' win over Denmark.