The capital Honiara is heating up with World Cup fever, it is the talk of the soccer mad capital of the Solomon Islands.
The majority of the population supports Brazil, followed by teams like Argentina, England and Germany. There are pockets of support for other teams like Portugal and Japan, but the eye of the population is on Brazil – perhaps because of their playing style, or because of larger than life superstars like Neymar.
“The defeat of Argentina yesterday and now Germany today morning makes me worried a little bit for my team Brazil, everyone is now on the same level,” said 19-year-old Hardy, watching the game this morning outside a canteen near his house.
“I just want another team to win the World cup, so I am supporting Japan, and how they play today morning makes me very confident,” Albert, a 24-year-old carpentry student at SINU, said.
Despite the time difference, meaning most games are televised in the early hours, people are staying up late to watch their favorite teams play.
“We just have to find ways to balance the game and work, and sometimes I am late but my boss understands,” Steve, a hospitality worker, said with a smile.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 is one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting event globally. The games kicked off on Sunday in Qatar.
A total of 32 teams will take part across 64 matches over a period of 29 days.
There are eight groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to the 16-team knockout stage.
The FIFA World Cup final will be played on December 18, 2022.