Cup runs over in South Africa, Jamaica
Published:Monday | July 12, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern
For hard-core football fans, the sport can be likened to a religion, one where analysts act as high priests. For true converts, the stands act as communion halls and the players are apostles of God.
Yesterday, when referee Howard Webb blew the final whistle on the 2010 World Cup battle between Spain and the Netherlands - part football, part rugby, part karate - whoops of joy and faces of gloom united churches and bars across Jamaica.
Spain's 1-0 victory capped an unprecedented run of fortune for the perennial underachievers, stirring up a hornets' nest not only in South Africa's Soccer City stadium but in the SportsMax Zone in New Kingston as the famous - or infamous - vuvuzelas droned on.
Hundreds turned out to support their favourite team, and in true footballing style kicked back with a beer.
Options at church
Yet, for Jamaicans wishing to shy away from the less-than-holy spirits which define football celebrations, the Lord definitely provided opportunities.
Webster Memorial United Church leaders believe that Spanish forward, Jesús Navas, wasn't the only Jesus at work yesterday.
Their 'Men of Purpose' male fellowship group hosted a special World Cup viewing on the church grounds, eliciting more shouts than a hallelujah-laden sermon.
Meanwhile, SportsMax patrons were encouraged to bet on the game through the Supreme Ventures Just Bet promotion and two lucky fans won tickets to a Barclays Premier League game in Britain.
Patrons were encouraged to 'Dance and Shout' as early performances from the trio-turned-duo Voicemail contributed to the easing of tension as officials in Johannesburg, South Africa, prepared the pitch - or 'kitchen' - for the juicing of the Oranje.
Groundbreaking initiative
Marketing manager of the SportsMax Zone, Tanya Lee, said she was proud of her company's groundbreaking initiative.
"We try to reach as many casual sporting viewers as possible and people who don't normally watch sports on a daily basis.
"For us, it's not about so much about what's happening on the pitch or the field, it's about what's happening in the stands and the connection shared by the people," she said.
For 'Men of Purpose' President Ronald Graham, hosting the event was strategic.
"We want to attract young people, and you have to be realistic. Soccer is in our lifeblood," remarked Graham.
Colin Titus, director of the special projects for the group, said the move went light-years in helping to diversify the image of the church.
"We want to appear like a vibesy church and you have to be innovating to do that," remarked Titus, who shares the name of a New Testament scribe.
This was the first year that the World Cup was staged in Africa. It stretched from June 11 to July 11.
Now the four-year hangover begins till Brazil in 2014!