Souvenir Stamp features World Cup bound Socceroos

As sports fans around the country anxiously await the outcome of Saturday morning’s FIFA World Cup 2006 draw, Australia Post is helping Australians celebrate the moment that propelled the Socceroos to Germany with the release of a Souvenir Stamp Sheet.

Several images from the final qualification match against Uruguay are featured on the Souvenir Stamp Sheet that is available now as the perfect Christmas gift for all keen football fans around the country.

“The Australian team making the FIFA World Cup for only the second time has united Aussie sports fans like few other moments in our history, and Australia Post is thrilled to help celebrate this achievement,” stated Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager Philatelic, Australia Post.

“This Souvenir Stamp Sheet is a truly unique collectible to be treasured for a lifetime, and it is the perfect Christmas present for football fans counting down the days to Germany.”

With the title “Australia Qualifies”, the Souvenir Stamp Sheet features ten 50-cent “kangaroo and flag” stamps with the Australian team logo featured on the stamp tabs.

Several images that capture the magic of Telstra Stadium on Wednesday 16 November are featured in the background of the Stamp Sheet including Mark Schwarzer’s heroic diving save, John Aloisi with his fingers pointed in the air in celebration and the Socceroos rising as one when Aloisi’s penalty struck the back of the net.

Two details which will be forever etched in the memory of those who witnessed the event – the final score and the date – are also featured on the Souvenir Stamp Sheet which will retail for $15.95 from participating Australia Post outlets.

“The support that the Australian team has received from the Australian public since qualifying for Germany has been outstanding,” stated Mr John O’Neill AO, Chief Executive Officer, Football Federation Australia.

“For Australia Post to recognise the Socceroos on this Souvenir Stamp Sheet is a sensational tribute to the team and to the sport. Hopefully people will buy the stamps and send them to their friends and family all over the world to let them know that Australia is on its way to Germany.”

This is the first time that that the Socceroos have featured on a Souvenir Stamp Sheet.