RAWANG: While most Malaysians are in deep slumber, Mohd Ihwan Md Salim and his future brother-in-law Abdul Hakim Zenal are wide awake, getting themselves ready in front of the TV.
The duo will play the football video game FC26 to pass time before tuning in to live World Cup matches, determined not to miss the action and tension of the knockout rounds.
For Mohd Ihwan, 42, the sleepless nights are a small sacrifice for a tournament that only comes around once every four years.
“Although I support England, I won’t miss the knockout stage because it involves the world’s best teams.
“Matches like France against Sweden and England against DR Congo are simply too important to skip,” he said when met at his home in Taman Botania, Saujana Rawang, yesterday.
Mohd Ihwan, who runs his own business, said the stakes become much higher once the group stage ends, making every match a must-watch affair.
“Strong teams rarely get knocked out early unless there is a huge upset. The knockout stage is where the real excitement begins.
“If we miss the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final, it really feels like a loss because we have to wait another four years. So, I don’t mind staying up late,” he added.
For Abdul Hakim, 33, the late-night routine of playing FC26 on the PlayStation 5 is also about spending quality time with family while sharing their love for football.
The personal driver admitted that he is not particularly skilled at FC26 but enjoys playing the game while waiting for high-profile encounters such as Belgium against Senegal and Spain versus Austria.
“I actually support the Netherlands but their match against Morocco is on Tuesday morning (today), so I will probably follow it on my smartphone.
“My work schedule is flexible, so staying up is not a problem as long as it does not affect the quality of my work,” he said.
Fund accountant Abdul Razeem Abdul Rashid, 30, has also made it a point to follow every Portugal match, whether from the comfort of his home or at his favourite mamak restaurant.
He admitted feeling disappointed after Portugal’s goalless draw against Colombia in their final Group K match last Sunday, which left the team facing a tougher path in the knockout rounds.
“If Portugal progresses past Croatia in the second round on Friday, they could face teams like Spain and Belgium.
“I hope Cristiano Ronaldo can finally lift his first World Cup trophy in what could be his last dance,” he said.
The growing excitement is also being felt by local eateries.
JJ Maju Corner employee Munir Rahman, 29, expects customers to double during the knockout rounds as football fans gather to watch matches together.
“In previous World Cups, some customers even come early to reserve their seats.
“The World Cup only comes once every four years, so people do not mind staying up late,” he said.
Canada became the first team to reach the Round of 16 after a 1-0 win over South Africa and will face the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco tie.
