Malta’s World Cup Fever: Hung, Drawn, and Quartered
Malta’s World Cup Fever: From Street Parties to Empty Pubs
As the sun sets on another day in Malta, the island’s usually bustling streets have an unusual quiet. The reason? The World Cup. The quadrennial football extravaganza has taken over, and Malta’s got the fever. But it’s not just the usual football frenzy. This time, it’s different. It’s hung, drawn, and quartered, to borrow a phrase from our colourful local lingo.
Drawn into the Action
Malta might not be in the World Cup, but that hasn’t stopped the island from being drawn into the action. From the colourful banners adorning Republic Street in Valletta to the giant screens set up in Msida’s Freedom Square, the World Cup is everywhere. Pubs, usually packed with locals enjoying a pint, are eerily quiet during match times. Instead, they’re filled with fans, eyes glued to the screens, hearts pounding with every goal.
Take The George Pub in Paceville, for instance. On a usual night, it’s a hub of laughter and chatter. But during the World Cup, it’s a different story. The chatter’s replaced by collective gasps and cheers. The laughter comes in bursts, usually after a goal. The rest of the time, it’s a sea of tense faces, waiting for the next play.
Hung on Every Word
Malta’s love for football isn’t new. But this World Cup, it’s different. It’s personal. It’s not just about the game. It’s about the drama, the intrigue, the politics. From the VAR controversies to the off-field drama, Malta’s been hung on every word. The island’s been buzzing with debates. From the bus stops of Sliema to the markets of Marsaxlokk, everyone’s got an opinion.
Take the recent controversy over the referee’s decision in the Argentina-Netherlands match. It’s been the talk of the town. From the cafes of Rabat to the offices of Birkirkara, everyone’s had their say. It’s not just about football anymore. It’s about justice, fairness, the human spirit. It’s about what’s right and what’s wrong. And Malta’s been hung on every word.
Quartered by Emotions
The World Cup has quartered Malta’s emotions. One moment, you’re on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, as your team comes close to scoring. The next, you’re in stitches, laughing at a funny moment caught on camera. Then, you’re back to the edge of your seat, this time with a knot in your stomach, as your team misses a crucial penalty.
Take the England-Senegal match, for instance. Malta was a rollercoaster of emotions. From the joy of England’s early goal to the heartache of Senegal’s equaliser. From the tension of extra time to the relief of England’s victory. It was a quartered experience, to say the least.
