From 150:1 odds to 50:1, Australia are now odds-on favourites (at least at home) to win the World Cup in Germany next year and Aussies wishing to follow their team can now book their accommodation for 2006 thanks to the World Cup Accommodation Service (WACS) online booking system.

Branded NewsletterLast night’s 4-2 victory against Uruguay means that Australia will compete in the soccer World Cup for the first time since 1974. Interestingly, Germany seems a lucky charm for the Aussies, as the last time we made the World Cup it was also played there. Then, in ’74, Australia came 14th but fans are expecting a much better performance from the Aussies this time around.

The team says the roar of the crowd made all the difference last night, so they are encouraging Australians to head overseas to cheer them through to victory in 2006.

London, Sydney, Auckland, 14 October 2005...ESPNsoccernet has awarded the rights to manage its Australia and New Zealand online media advertising and sponsorship sales to Ansearch (ASX: OPM).

Under the two-year agreement commencing this month, Ansearch will be the exclusive online advertising representative for the site in Australia and New Zealand.

ESPNsoccernet's Associate Director, Robin Ashton, said "Soccer in Australia and New Zealand is experiencing growth at all levels. The launch of the A-League coupled with Australia's continuing fight for a World Cup place make this an exciting time for the sport in both countries. This agreement will ensure that we are in a strong position to offer sponsors and advertisers effective and innovative packages on ESPNsoccernet, the leading website in the sector, allowing them to take full advantage of this growth and next year's World Cup."