By ETHAN BROWN
This past December, the globe revolved around the World Cup. Millions of fans, including Jericho High School students, had great passion for the soccer tournament.
Whether it be in the cafeteria, library, before school and sometimes even in class, Jericho students watched World Cup matches. Junior Justin W. said, “I have been watching all of the games that I could.”
Throughout the tournament, there was support for a variety of teams. Junior Jonathan T. shared which teams he rooted for. He said, “France mostly, Morocco because an African nation getting to the semifinals was amazing, and Korea and Japan because Asian countries making it to the round of 16 was also pretty special.”
Even though students followed many different teams, Argentina, a country rich with soccer history, was clearly one of the favorites. Senior Franklin Z. said, “Argentina has Messi, and Messi always wanted to fulfill his goal of becoming a World Cup champion, and it is his last World Cup.”
Junior Justin W. also rooted for Argentina. He said, “I was supporting the United States until they got knocked out, and I want Argentina to win now.”
France, the champions of the last edition of the World Cup in 2018, also attracted many supporters. “I supported France in the final,” said junior Shrikant G.
The two TVs within the cafeteria regularly displayed the games. Shrikant G. said, “I have seen four of the games in the cafeteria. They were constantly showing them.”
For most fans, the climax of the World Cup was the emotional final match, where Argentina ultimately triumphed over France. Junior Shirkant G. said, “The highlight of the tournament was the final game. I thought France would lose, but then when Mbappé scored it was crazy.”
During the final, Argentina raced to an early 2-0 lead, but France and their star Kylian Mbappé showed character as they tied the game and brought it to a penalty shootout. “France almost made three comebacks in a row. That was very exciting,” said Junior Johnathan T.
Teachers, too, enjoyed the World Cup and used its popularity for educational purposes. French teacher Madame Kennedy planned interactive, cultural lessons based on the World Cup. She said, “To really play off of their interest and to come up with activities that reach a lot of different students and to be able to follow the French team and to see them get to the finals. It’s pretty exciting.”
Before showing her A.P. French class the France vs. Morocco game, Madame Kennedy provided a list of vocabulary words such as cleats, corner kicks, and shin guards.
Students tune in to watch Korea versus Portugal in the High School Library.
Despite the joys of the tournament, some soccer fans disapprove of it being hosted in Qatar, as they have a terrible human rights record towards migrant workers that built the stadiums and infrastructure needed to host the event. According to The Guardian, 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since they began preparation for the World Cup. Additionally, the New York Times reported that FIFA officials were bribed by the Qatar government in order for the World Cup to be hosted in their country.
Junior Jonathan T. took notice of these issues. He said, “I know that I have heard a lot about their human rights record being less than stellar. I would prefer to have it hosted somewhere else.”
For most individuals, however, the focus was not politics but more so the game. For instance, Shrikant G. had indifferent feelings towards the World Cup being hosted in Qatar. “I was fine with it. It was the first time in the Middle East,” said Shrikant.
On the whole, the World Cup brought joy and entertainment to many Jericho students, especially when they got to watch it during class.