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Scanners protect World Cup Aussies: photos

Fingerprint scanning gates are being used by tour group the Fanatics to control entry and exit to the Durban Cricket Ground, which has been converted into a "tent city" for around 1200 Socceroos fans during the World Cup in South Africa.
By Munir Kotadia, Contributor
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1 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Six fingerprint scanners such as this one were rented by the Fanatics tour group to control access to the camp.

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2 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Fans said the biometric scanners made them feel safer and found it more convenient because they didn't have a room key to lose.

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3 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

In order to house around 1200 fans, the Fanatics have taken over Durban Cricket ground for the duration of the 2010 World Cup.

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(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

One of the biometric fingerprint scanners in use.

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5 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Fans kept themselves entertained between matches by playing the FIFA 2010 World Cup game on the Xbox 360.

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(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Whether it was on a screen, in a stadium or in the bar — soccer was everywhere!

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(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Literally hundreds of Fanatics bean bags littered the bar to keep supporters in comfort.

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(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

What is usually the media room has been converted into an internet cafe to help fans keep in touch back home.

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9 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

All the streets in tent city are named after former and current Socceroos, including Mark Viduka, Johnny Warren, Ned Zelic and Robbie Slater to name a few.

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(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

The main bar at tent city is named after former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.

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11 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

To help Sydneysiders feel at home, the transport meeting point is named after Sydney's most famous meeting place — Town Hall Steps.

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12 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

In keeping with Australia's tradition of "big" landmarks, tent city included a gigantic Fanatics jersey (just in case you forgot where you were!)

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13 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Even the breakfast room is decorated with football memorabilia including country flags, balls and pieces of turf.

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14 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

The biggest issues with the biometric readers were caused by alcohol — and there was no shortage of beer.

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15 of 15 Munir Kotadia/ZDNET
(Credit: Munir Kotadia/ZDNet Australia)

Phil VB, Fanatics site manager.

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