Taking a leaf out of Paddy Power's book, an Australian bookie surprised residents of Melbourne with a 150-foot high balloon replica of Christ the Redeemer floating over the city.

Australia have a tough task if they're going to get out of their group in the World Cup this year, and we mean really tough, as they were lumped in with 2010 finalists Spain and Holland, not to mention Chile, who many are tipping as a 'dark horse' who could surprise people with their aggressive, attacking play. 

The Socceroos, on the other hand, are going to the tournament with a young and inexperienced team, and with an eye towards developing for the Asia Cup in 2015. Essentially, they know they're on the first flight back once the group stages are over, but a bookies in Australia decided to tell fans not to give up, as well as taking the opportunity to pull a huge publicity stunt, by floating a 150-foot tall hot air balloon in the shape of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil over the city of Melbourne yesterday.

 

 

The giant image of the Jesus is wearing a yellow shirt, the colour of Australia's kit, and is emblazoned with the hashtag #KeepTheFaith. 

Unsurprisingly, a few of the religious folk in Australia have been a little bit bothered by the stunt, which they have claimed is offensive.

Via The Wall Street Journal