World Cup excitement brought to Jordan in mini-tournament

AMMAN –– The Dutch embassy in Amman brought the excitement of the 2014 World Cup to Jordanian children and families over the weekend with a mini-tournament featuring Group B’s teams.

A total of 40 children, aged between six and seven, took part, divided into teams representing Spain, the Netherlands, Australia and Chile — which make up one of the strongest groups in the championship.

The ambassadors of the Group B countries were the coaches during the event, organised in cooperation with the Modern Montessori School.

Jala Suliman, the head of the school’s sports department, said the matches were organised in accordance with the schedule of Group B matches, which kicked off on Friday.

Dutch Ambassador Paul van den IJssel, a big football fan, said the sport has a universal language. 

“We know that Jordanian people — especially children — are very fond of football and we thought all the embassies which are representing the countries in Group B get together and organise something with Jordanian children,” he added.

“It’s very good to see all the flags, including the Dutch flags, hang everywhere, and it shows that all Jordanians are really fond of football, and I really hope that next time Jordan will be part of the World Cup,” the Dutch diplomat told The Jordan Times.

He voiced hope that the Dutch team’s win over Spain in Amman would be repeated in Brazil. 

“We’ve just seen the Dutch team beat the Spanish team 3-1 so I really hope that this score will be shown today [Friday] with all my due respect to my great Spanish friends.” 

The ambassador’s hopes were realised when his country’s team, the runners-up for the last World Cup, crushed title holder Spain 5-1 in the opening Group B match in Brazil in a replay of the 2010 final. 

Spanish Ambassador Santiago Cabanas Ansorena said it is “wonderful” to celebrate the World Cup with Jordanian children.

“This is a celebration of sports and friendship. These kinds of events will help promote understanding between nations,” he told The Jordan Times. 

Cabanas Ansorena said he is delighted to see Spanish football so popular in Jordan.

“I am really happy that many Jordanians are very supportive of Spain during the World Cup. I hope that we will retain the world championship but this is football, and this is a game and we will see.”

Meanwhile, Australian Chargé d’Affaires John Feakes said it was “fantastic” to see the enthusiasm of the participating families and children.

“The important thing is that boys and girls are having a lot of fun. This event is really important because Australia is not a good football team and this event will let Jordanians know that Australia is playing in the World Cup.”

Feakes noted that it is a pity that Jordan did not join Australia in the World Cup, voicing hope the Kingdom will make it next time. 

Commenting on his national team’s chances, the Australian diplomat said: “I hope we do well but I am really realistic and people describe our group as the group of death, [so] my expectations are modest,” he added. 

Chilean Ambassador Eduardo Escobar said his embassy did not hesitate to participate in the event after receiving an invitation from the Dutch embassy. 

“This event is important because it will contribute to promoting the Group B teams. The most important thing is that we all got together.” 

He noted that all Chile fans have high expectations for their team despite the injury of star player Arturo Vidal. 

Vidal managed to overcome the injury and helped his national team beat Australia 3-1early Saturday. 

Children interviewed by The Jordan Times expressed their joy over the event. 

Seven-year-old Tariq Zo’ubi, who was on the Dutch team, said he played as a defender because he wanted to prevent strikers from scoring against his team. 

Meanwhile, Laila Alia, an avid football fan, was a Chile striker.

“I like playing football and I watch the matches with my father. I support Italy in the World Cup,” the seven-year-old said.