PETALING JAYA: From mamak restaurants to open-air venues, football fans across the country are set to trade sleep for the thrill of watching the FIFA World Cup final together.
For many, watch parties are a chance to reconnect with friends, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of a global event that comes only every four years.
Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Spain Alfonso Herrero Corral said the Spanish community in Kuala Lumpur had been coming together throughout the tournament at Spanish-owned restaurants and bars.
“I will join the final live screening at Dataran Merdeka at RTM’s invitation.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for Spain’s supporters and Malaysians to get to know one another and celebrate great football together,” he said.
For mamak operators, the final is expected to draw one of the biggest crowds of the year.
Restoran Hathija Maju owner Shaik Ismail said the eatery had prepared large screens along with extra tables and chairs.
“Football puts differences aside and brings everyone together,” he said.
For 29-year-old engineer Muhammad Amirul Azman, watching football with friends has become a tradition he refuses to break.
“We’ve been doing this since university days. It doesn’t matter who reaches the final. We always meet at the same mamak, order roti canai and teh tarik, and watch until the end.
“If you watch alone at home, you miss the shouting, the debates and the celebrations,” he said.
Marketing executive Nur Aisyah Rahman, 27, will be heading to Dataran Merdeka for her first public football screening.
“I’ve seen the atmosphere online before, but I’ve never experienced it myself. I want to be surrounded by people who are just as excited as me.”
Meanwhile, accountant Jason Lee, 35, plans to host a viewing party at his condominium.
“We’re bringing snacks, wearing our jerseys and turning it into a mini community event.
“Football has this unique ability to bring together neighbours who normally only exchange greetings in the lift,” he said.
In Ipoh, fans will be gathered at Dataran Bandaraya to watch the third-place playoff.
Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said the event will culminate with the final, which will be attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
“Besides the live screenings, visitors have been enjoying a football-themed carnival, face painting, exhibition booths, a chance to meet former Perak football legend Datuk M. Karathu (on the final day), and lucky draws,” he said.
In George Town, the Penang Island City Council is hosting the watch event at the Esplanade starting 2am.
Accountant Nur Aisyah Rahman, 31, said she planned to catch the match there, despite having to work later in the morning.
“I’ll probably be tired at work, but it’s worth losing a night’s sleep,” she said.
For St John Ambulance medical assistant Shauqi Sabani, 29, the final is an occasion not to be missed.
“You only get to enjoy this atmosphere once every four years.
“Being with my parents, siblings and their children makes the night even more memorable,” he said, adding that for this year, everyone will be huddled at his parents’ home.
Engineer Jason Lim, 35, said the final had all the makings of a classic.
“It’s one of those rare nights that brings the whole family together.”
