.
Although I’ve never been a soccer fan, the World Cup has always excited me. I was surprised to see that the Panamanian team and the England team were competing in the same group- being a Panamanian living in England you can imagine how divided I felt!
.
Even though Panama was eliminated early, nothing could diminish the pride I felt for the fans that were in Russia showing their support. However, all of my support has now been turned towards England, the country I fell in love with.
.
I have witnessed space being made in every conversation to bring up the world cup and the English team, along with plans to watch games in pubs or at each other’s homes..
At home I can hear the neighbours shouting with emotion at every goal scored. Since it all began there has been an atmosphere of overwhelming pride and love (what a great coincidence that this phrase also applies to LGBT’s pride month!). We went from saying “Let’s hope we at least get to the quarter finals” to “We might actually win this!”.
It’s been wonderful to share this excitement with local fans. I have loved seeing the energy and have found myself singing along to “It’s coming home”..
-Marianna Zicari