Ameerpet, July 10: On Sunday night, millions of football fans will gather eagerly around their television gets to watch the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Few places in the city will be able to match the excitement and anticipation that hangs in the air of a modest flat in Ameerpet. The flat is home to a dozen international interns. They come from five continents, to work for various companies in the city. Flags of various nations hang from the walls and strings of national colours are strung around their rooms depicting their national pride.
For some of the interns, the upcoming game has special importance. Joel Tortosa, 22, of Barcelona, Spain and Thom Rommens, 23, of Breda, Netherlands have been flatmates for several months. “It‘s very exciting with everyone watching the championships, having so many cultures in one house,” says Rommens. Under normal circumstances, the two Europeans are on good terms.
For now though, football necessitates a heated, if friendly, rivalry.
According to Tortosa, that‘s what makes the experience more fun,“It‘s funny, the best part of it is the rivalry – having someone to disagree with.” For Tortosa, Rommens, and many of the other internationals staying at the flat, football is more than a sport; it‘s a part of their life and culture.
Both the Dutchman and the Spaniard grew up with football in their lives. Tortosa recalled watching his favourite Barcelona team growing up. Rommens actually played the sport for much of his life. “I started playing football at a very young age, for about 10 years,” he said.
In both Netherlands and Spain, national pride and anticipation are at all-time highs. “I talked to my boss yesterday in Madrid,” Tortosa said.
“People are celebrating in the streets,” he added. “In Netherlands the pubs and clubs will be crowded to cheer for the team,” quipped Rommens.
This World Cup will have significant historical implications. This is the first finals appearance for the Netherlands since 1978. For the Spanish team, this is the first World Cup Final ever.
“It‘s funny being here, living with all these Dutch guys, for our first time in the the World Cup finals. It would be pretty boring if I were in Spain, everybody would be cheering for the same team.
I will miss the friendly banter here,” said Tortosa.
Tortosa and Rommens do have one thing in common concerning the upcoming match. Then asked to predict the score of the final, each replied 2-0. Of course, each had his home team winning. This weekend, hearts will be broken. Prayers will be answered. Vuvuzelas will be blown. In one Ameerpet flat, a crowd of people from countless backgrounds will pick a side, don their orange or red, and gather for the one thing common to all cultures: football.
—Agencies