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New York City, United States – Robert Sanfiz has been booking “VIP” tickets of late to attend the World Cup final party in Spain for the non-profit he manages in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. They are already booked, and they are not sure if they can make more room.
It is the final fitting of a crazy six-week competition which, as before, has seen the Spanish Benevolent Society and its accompanying restaurant, known as La Nacional, growing at night with supporters of La Roja.
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The 57-year-old credits Spain’s success in 2010 with, among other things, helping to revive the organization, which was founded 150 years ago to help Spanish immigrants start a new life in the city.
Even if the neighborhood where Spain lived has disappeared, “we are still there for the Spanish people who are missing their homes”, he said.
Sanfiz also recounted the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands in South Africa, where fans gathered in the street to watch on the windows as Spain won its first tournament, so far.
A strong and consistent performance by the Spanish team this time under the leadership of the 19-year-old player Laminate Yamal and the first approach of manager Luis de la Fuente, has helped him stay calm.
However, they plan to remain distracted during the final stages.
“You know what I do in this game? I stay outside and control the traffic and make sure nobody gets hit,” Sanfiz told Al Jazeera. “I do it subconsciously because my biggest stress is the game itself.”
A day before the World Cup finals, the red of Spain isn’t as ubiquitous in New York City as the white and blue of Argentina, but local fans find their passion unmatched.
On Saturday, many gathered at Mercado Little Spain in Midtown, a Spanish restaurant founded by Spanish chef Jose Andres, which can be seen on the sea of red.
“I’ve been a fan of Spain all my life, so this is not true,” said Javier Vriz, 38, who moved from Chicago and will go to the finals alone.
“Being a fan of Spain for a long time I know pain,” he said. “There is always a feeling that there are no ways to do it, but they always succeed.”
“They have been consistent in their vision, their approach and their style,” he added, referring to the approach of signing a team that prefers to dominate rather than rely on the skills of individual players.
“They didn’t move in the Spanish way.”
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In the final round of the competition, Spain has confirmed that it is the host of the ‘orphans’ of the New York City World Cup – neutrals whose first or second teams’ dreams have been dashed in previous tournaments.
Their success has helped to create a partnership of new sponsors.
Spain’s colonial history in the past has created conflicts with supporters of many Latin American groups. But Argentina, with their controversial struggles, has grown to become a football junkie fans from the area.
“A lot of Mexican fans have been hating Argentina,” said Rolando Sanchez, 26, a Bronx resident who supported the Mexican national team before their round of 16 loss to England.
“For me though, it comes down to the players,” Sanchez said. “I wouldn’t be happy to see (Argentina number 10 Lionel) Messi finish at the top, but the Spanish players are the future.”
Yamal’s father’s ties to Morocco and the Spanish government’s acceptance of the Palestinian state also support the group among Arab groups in the city, such as those in Brooklyn. Little Palestine.
At the same time, support has become more popular among New York City’s West African community, fueled by the legacy of Spanish players and the country’s large African population.
Yamal’s mother is from Equatorial Guinea. Winger Nico Williams’ parents are from Ghana.
Spain’s positive attitude was also strengthened by the Spanish government’s refusal to follow the strict African immigration policies adopted by many European countries.
In contrast, Spain has followed a process of integrating employment and legalization for those living in the country without documents.
“They give them a chance. This is inspiring and inspiring,” said Ousman Saho, 34, who coaches Bronx-Huntaz FC, a local club supported by the nonprofit BAMBA Sports, which aims to bring sports to underserved African communities in the city.
Saho, who is from the Gambia, would have liked to see his first choice, Senegal, succeed. But he hopes Spain’s young class – which, in addition to Yamal, also includes 24-year-old Williams and 21-year-old midfielder Gavi – will earn their first international honours.
“I want them to win this one because it will inspire them,” he said. “Messi has already won every competition. He has shown that he is the greatest.”
Mamadou Diabate, 36, who coaches Los Espanoles FC from the Bronx, said he was proud of his home country, Ivory Coast, and his showing in the team. That included surprising Ecuador with a 1-0 victory.
But the Spanish national team will always have a special place for him.
“Spain is one of those teams that allows you to see how beautiful football is, how the team works,” said Diabate.
“Spain has given this to the whole world.”
