Sport | Football
Lukewarm response after high-profile clash
The match between Italy and Ukraine drew little excitement and an even smaller crowd at the Irish Village, following the high-profile match earlier in the evening between Germany and Argentina.
- By Danna Farhang, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 July 2, 2006
Dubai: The match between Italy and Ukraine drew little excitement and an even smaller crowd at the Irish Village, following the high-profile match earlier in the evening between Germany and Argentina.
"The problem is, it's a very easy game and not a very interesting one," said Jenjiz Goksel, a bouncer at the Irish Village. "It's obvious that Italy's going to win," he said before Italy went on to beat Ukraine 3-0.
Goksel said that late night crowds tended to be thinner and the excitement of the Germany-Argentina match was enough for most people to call it an early night.
The only teams that consistently drew large, late night crowds were England and Brazil.
Goksel also noted that the Irish Village was one of the few venues in the city that had yet to experience any trouble between rival fans.
"I think it's because it's a mixed crowd and the set up isn't cramped and there are a lot of screens to keep everyone happy," he said.
Dennis Ortiz, who had attended most of the World Cup games at the Irish Village, agreed.
"II think a lot of people who are coming here are actual football fans, who just want to watch the game," he said, happy to enjoy the calm."
Vishal Vasavava, Ortiz's friend, said: "I like this dull atmosphere actually. "It's really relaxed and I don't have to worry about getting bothered. I think it's because it's a very open space," he said.
However, others, who had shown up hoping to find a more agitated crowd, were left disappointed.
"I expected more people to be here, but it's really silent and not that busy, it's pretty strange, especially considering this is a quarterfinal match," said Hamzeh Hamarneh..
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