‘We have what it takes’ - Spanish, Belgian fans in Jamaica gear up for WCup showdown

Spain enters today’s World Cup quarterfinals against Belgium as heavy favourites, but with that tag comes much anxiety for their fans.
The two European nations will square off at the Los Angeles Stadium in California with the expectations of their fan base heavy on their shoulders.
Among the fans watching from Jamaica is Guillermo Suarez of the Riu chain of hotels in Jamaica. He told The Gleaner that he will be watching the game at the sports bar at Riu Negril.
“I’ll be there with several Spanish colleagues who also live and work in Jamaica, and I’m sure there will be plenty of other football fans supporting Spain as well. It should be a great atmosphere, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing such an important match surrounded by fellow Spaniards and football lovers,” said Suarez.
Spain last won the World Cup in 2010, some 16 years ago and recovered from a concerning nil-all draw with Cabo Verde in their opening game to make it to the final eight.
“At the beginning of this tournament, I wasn’t very confident because our first few matches were tougher than expected. However, after seeing the team improve – and especially after beating Portugal – my confidence has grown a lot,” Suarez said. “I know there are still some very strong teams left, so it won’t be easy, but I genuinely believe Spain has what it takes to go all the way and lift the trophy again.”
He is banking on what he believes is the all-round talent in the Spanish team.
“I think Spain’s biggest strength is that we don’t depend on just one player. We have a talented and well-balanced squad. Mikel Oyarzabal has been crucial with his work rate and ability to score important goals. Pau Cubarsí, despite his young age, has shown incredible maturity in defence and gives the team great composure when building from the back. Of course, players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri – who is also like me, from the Canary Islands – can also make the difference with their creativity and quality. If everyone performs at their best and we continue playing as a team, I truly believe Spain has what it takes to win the World Cup,” Suarez asserted.
Among the Belgian fans hoping the Red Devils can defy the odds and lift the World title for the first time is Guillaume Gillard, the deputy head of mission at the Belgium Embassy in Kingston.:
“I will be going to a place called Club House with giant television screens. Most of the Belgians will be there – about 20 people in Kingston (Embassy) plus other Belgian fans, so about 40 people. Of course, all Jamaicans that want to watch the match are welcome,” Gillard told The Gleaner.
Gillard believes the team will be in a relaxed frame of mind since they are not coming into the game bogged down by the favourites tag, even though King Phillippe will be attending today’s game.
“We are not the golden generation, but they are really good, which is a surprise for me. Belgians don’t like to boast, so I won’t pretend that the game will be easy. We are facing the current European champions, so we are not expecting something easy. Our chances are not that big, but if it happens, we will be really glad,” said Gillard.
He, too, believes that team effort is crucial for victory.
“It’s been a team effort. As we saw with Senegal, some of the stars needed to be replaced by fresh blood so everyone played a role so far in our success. Of course, some of our big stars shone a little more, no surprise there, and we hope they continue their quality work. But everyone has contributed in that group and as a group, they will make it, and not because of individuals. That is not that kind of team. Not this time,” said Gillard.
Today’s game kicks off at 2 p.m. with live coverage on TVJ with updates on The Gleaner’s website and social media pages.
karen.madden@gleanerjm.com