A green and gold army of supporters have thrown their considerable force behind the Socceroos for their entire World Cup campaign - win, lose or draw against Germany.

"We are with them all the way," said one of the army's 1,500 foot soldiers, who live in army-style tents in a camp run with military precision and pledge unswerving loyalty to their nation.

The so-called Fanatics have taken over Durban's Kingsmead cricket ground, turning it into a khaki tent city which is the envy of supporters from all 31 other World Cup nations.

It is their African home away from home.

It is their base not only for the opening match in Durban but in between visits to Rustenburg and Nelspruit for Australia's other two group matches.

The tent city is a shrine to Australian football.

There's Johnny Warren Square right in the middle of Kingsmead, a Rale Rasic restaurant in one of the grandstands and a Mark Bosnich bar.

There are "road signs" in the alleys between tents with names like Robbie Slater Street and Peter Wilson Way.

The punters are being well looked after.

They can get a nourishing meal for 30 or 40 rand ($A5 to $A7) and a large beer for 15 rand ($A2.50).

They have had pre-match panel discussions featuring former Socceroos like Bosnich and Charlie Yankos, and concerts featuring Fat Boy Slim and Powderfinger.

Scratch five-a-side games of football are on all the time, and Aussie fans can be seen trooping back from Durban's beaches with surf boards tucked under their arms.

They watch non-Australian matches in a giant communal marquee from the comfort of green and gold bean bags.

Cork hats are a common sight, and the throng is awash, naturally, in green and gold shirts and scarves.

Three supporters are giving their mates plenty of laughs by getting around in blue lyrca Southern Cross suits which cover their entire bodies, heads included.

"It's a bit of a giggle," said Scott Cremer, 28, of Sydney.

"You can drink through them, you can breathe through them and you can see through them."

Josh Evans, 26, of Sydney, said the Aussies were proving a big hit with locals, even in some dubious parts of Durban.

"To the people who said South Africa was going to be a dangerous place, everyone is so welcoming and friendly," he said.

"We went into one of the bad parts of Durban, we were the only white people in yonks and everyone was hugging us, even the police.

"We got carried away and had the best time."

"They love Australians," said Daniel Powell, 27, of Albury.

"We mingle with everyone.

"We have been behaving ourselves and doing the right thing when it comes to showing respect in someone else's country.

"I hope we continue the good Aussie name out there."

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