KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — Around 600 members of the Spanish community in Malaysia are gearing up to rally behind their beloved La Roja when Spain faces three-time FIFA World Cup champions Argentina in Monday morning’s highly anticipated final.
Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia Alfonso Herrero Corral said the community has been unwavering in their support throughout every match despite the time difference and will once again come together to cheer on Spain as they chase their second world title.
The community will gather at two Spanish establishments in Bukit Bintang, Vermut and Pisco, in a special viewing event organised by the embassy, as well as the official public screening at Dataran Merdeka.
“I would like to express my gratitude and send a message of pride to the Spanish community because of their support and how they have been following the games and gathering match after match,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama TV.
Meanwhile, Herrero also expressed appreciation to Malaysians for their support towards the Spanish national football team, saying the embassy has been overwhelmed by messages from local supporters celebrating Spain’s return to the final after 16 years.
“We are very grateful for those messages and their support,” he said.
Herrero also invites the Malaysian community to join him and others at Dataran Merdeka for the 3 am kick-off on Monday.
Reflecting on Spain’s remarkable run to the grandest stage of international football, Herrero described the team’s journey as “nothing short of spectacular” after their 2-0 semi-final victory over two-time world champions France.
“I think we are all very excited for this Monday’s final. I think this national team has been playing with passion, heart, precision and relentless attacking spirit that represents the best of Spanish football. We are ready for this final,” he added.
Predicting a 2-1 victory for Spain, Herrero said La Roja’s success in reaching the final was built on a strong national team consisting of a combination of experienced players, young sensation such as Lamine Yamal and the guidance of coach Luis De La Fuente.
“It has taken a couple of years to reach this kind of perfection and fusion, and I think that right now our national team is in the best situation possible for this World Cup final,” he added.
Spain previously lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2010, their first-ever world title, after defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final in South Africa through Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner. — Bernama
