Spain Took the Trophy, But Belize Brought the Passion
For some fans, it was about Argentina. For others, it was Spain. But for everyone who gathered on Sunday, it was about football. The FIFA World Cup Final turned watch parties across Belize into spaces of excitement, tension, and celebration. Supporters, young and old, filled churches, bars, and restaurants, reacting to every kick as if they were inside the stadium themselves. The match went down to the wire, but the energy in Belize was already a story of its own. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Sunday’s World Cup Final delivered all the drama football fans could ask for. Spain and Argentina went head-to-head in a match that could have swung either way. Spain eventually claimed the victory, but for supporters everywhere, the day was not only about who lifted the trophy. It was about the excitement, the emotions, and the shared love of football. Inside Life Church, these young fans stood in solidarity with Argentina during the country’s national anthem. The church hosted a watch party with prizes on the line for the first person who correctly guessed the exact match minute of the first goal. Social Lounge brought its own flavor to World Cup Sunday. The venue filled with families, friends, and passionate fans dressed in the colors of their favorite teams and players. Every seat faced the screens, and every big moment drew a reaction. At halftime, we spoke with fans inside the lounge as they soaked in the drama of the final.
World Cup Spectator #1
“If I am going to be honest, ih nuh matter who win because I done win. As much as Argentina, I like Spain. Messi Vs Lamal, you can’t go wrong.”
World Cup Spectator #2
“I feel like Spain deserve this World Cup because my dog Messi done win. Yamal I respect him because he is an upcoming star. That is the reason why I the wear two shirts.”
World Cup Spectator #3
“Spain, I am with Spain all the way.”
World Cup Spectator #4
“Argentina thief, Messi thief. Spain play a real game and they deserve a real win.”
World Cup Spectator #5
“Spain, because Argentina paid FIFA to win.”
World Cup Spectator #6
“Messi already won a World Cup and he is getting too old so its now for the new players to come and win.”
At halftime, the match was tied at nil.
From Social Lounge we headed over to The Riverside Tavern to join its watch party for the second half of the match.
World Cup Spectator #7
“Argentina, yeahhh! It so tense. I am actually working. I don’t even want to be working right now. I cant breathe, my heart is coming out of my chest.”
World Cup Spectator #8
“I don’t really like how the game is going. But I also know Argentina is the kind of team that starts to play at the seventy-fifth minute. You cant ever count them out right.”
World Cup Spectator #9
“Since Spain try come take us in Saint George’s Caye I will go with Argentina today.”
And it is at this venue that we witness that 106th minute goal from Spain which sent spectators into a frenzy.
Spectator #10
Where was Messi? [Chants and Cheers continue] Espania.”
Fans from the winning team celebrated. Others were left in shock and tears.
World Cup Spectator #11
“I feel very happy. I really was rooting for Spain to win.”
World Cup Spectator #12
“We won, we won, Spain the best team.”
It is estimated that one point eight billion people globally tuned in the match. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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