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SPORT
Socceroos move ahead Despite the final score reading 0-0, there was no shortage of drama as Socceroo’s supporters packed into Bunjil Place to watch Australia take on Paraguay on Friday 26 June. For fans like Neila (pictured), every missed chance and close call had fans on edge, with cheers erupting at the final whistle as the result was enough to send Australia through to the World Cup round of 32. The giant screen transformed Bunjil Place into a sea of green and gold, with football lovers gathering mid-work day to share the highs and nerves of another memorable World Cup moment for Australia. Australia’s reward is a blockbuster knockout clash against Egypt at 4am on Saturday 4 July, which will be showcased on the big screen at Bunjil Place. For more pictures, go to page 12
Nelia from Kooweerup was all smiles as the Australian team was able to hold their defence. (Stewart Chambers: 561466)
Horror assault A father of three who was attacked in a Hampton Park parking lot last week recounted the moment his attackers used an ice pick to try and “kill him”, he says. Samir planned on attending evening prayer at the mosque across the parking lot and collect his children when he noticed a car parked nearby with the occupants throwing rubbish on Wednesday, 24 June.
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The 43-year-old says it didn’t take long for the men to begin yelling and swearing at him after he drove into the car park. When he approached them to ask what was wrong, one of the men allegedly asked if he was Muslim. After he replied that he was, Samir says he was punched in the face before being repeatedly kicked, punched and choked. He says two of the men were carrying ice picks and threatened
to kill him. “I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was going to die,” he said. Despite suffering injuries, Samir managed to drive to the nearby mosque, where community members called emergency services. The Islamic Council of Victoria has condemned the “violent attack” and called for police
to investigate whether the incident was motivated by religious hatred. Mosque president Firzy praised Samir’s resilience and said the attack had left the community shaken. Police say investigations are ongoing and the offenders have not yet been located. For more on this story, go to page 3