JOHOR BARU: The 2022 Fifa World Cup tournament has come to a close with Argentina being crowned champions, but there is no stopping the football action.
Malaysians have plenty to continue cheering about with the Mitsubishi AFF Cup starting today, and the Harimau Malaya starting their campaign against Myanmar on Wednesday and facing Laos on Saturday.
On Monday, the English Premier League will resume, with many of the World Cup stars getting back into action.
Public relations officer Mohd Akmall Shafiq Tino Mohd Idham Daniel, 28, said this year’s World Cup was the best he ever witnessed.
“My heart broke when my team, Germany, was eliminated in the group stage but I went on watching because the tournament is only held once every four years,” he added.
He said that sacrificing his sleep for the games was worthwhile because there had been a lot of surprises and excitement.
Mohd Akmall said now that the World Cup had ended, he would now focus on his favourite team Arsenal, which is leading the English Premier League table, and the Mitsubishi AFF Cup.
Businessman James Tan, a big fan of Argentina because of Diego Maradona, said he was very happy his team lifted the World Cup trophy.
“It is enough of football for me at the moment.
“Now, it is time for me to get some rest and relax at home while enjoying the festive season,” added the 53-year-old.
Restaurant owner Sahul Hamid Yaacob, 47, said thousands of football fans thronged his eatery in Adda Heights here to watch the final match between Argentina and France.
“We set up a big screen, which attracted huge crowds with many of them watching while standing up throughout the game when we ran out of chairs.
“Since the tournament started on Nov 21, many football fans have come to my restaurant and stayed until the wee hours just to watch the games,” he added.
Besides decorating his restaurant with flags of participating countries, Sahul Hamid said he also organised competitions and lucky draws for his customers.
“Now, there will be other football tournaments and leagues and I believe the crowd will keep coming,” he said.
In Penang, more than a thousand people cheered in unison at the Esplanade as the World Cup final between Argentina and France produced six goals and a heart-stopping penalty shootout, all of which was projected onto a big screen.
Supporters of both teams came dressed in their team jerseys, but it seemed as though everyone celebrated every goal that was scored. It was a very good-natured affair.
To liven up the atmosphere, stage performances were held as well as two lucky draw sessions.