KUALA LUMPUR – It was a stunner as Asian titan Japan defeated four-time World Cup winner Germany, 2-1, in the 2022 Qatar World Cup Group E first match held in Khalifa International Stadium in Doha last night.
Japan fans expressed their joyous disbelief over their team’s victory as they wait for the clock to count down toward the end of the game.
Meanwhile here, nearly 400 football fans congregated at the Bukit Jalil Pavilion open space Piazza area to watch the match that was broadcasted live in a viewing party hosted by Carlsberg Malaysia.
Football fan Robert Lee told The Vibes that he was proud to see many Malaysians come together to celebrate the sport.
“I think the event is really nice because we get to be together and enjoy the game responsibly, and it is always nice to see an Asian team win.”
Michelle Bridget echoed Robert’s sentiment as Malaysia was going through political uncertainty following the no-appointment of the country’s prime minister before today, everybody needs a space to tune out.
“People needed a break and they needed to tune off for a while.
“Events like these are great because football fans generally like to watch football matches together, especially World Cup.
“With the recent political instability in the country, this is a good escape from what has been happening in the country.”
Meanwhile, Bryan Alexis was disappointed that his favourite team Germany lost and rooting for their comeback.
“I am sad that Germany lost. I even wear the team jersey to show my support. But Japan played so well.
“However, it is not the end of the game yet. Teams like Argentina and Germany will do better next round.”
The Carlsberg viewing party was only one of 300 celebrations activated across sports bars, pubs, and eateries nationwide to give football-crazed fans an avenue to cheer on their favourite teams on match days starting from November to mid-December.
Germany’s World Cup future is now once again on the line, with games to come in Group E against Spain and Costa Rica. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022
