Just over five weeks ago, most of us were watching the World Cup matches on big screens in one of the World Cup Villages around the Island, at the comfort of one’s home, or in bars. Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for Warren Zammit who was busy preparing for his trip to Rio de Janeiro to watch the World Cup final.

Warren placed first in a quiz competition held by local TV programme Kontrattak. He admits that he had to thoroughly research about the world cup history, however, it was quite interesting research. On the day of the final competition, although he was ready, he was also aware that his opponents were just as prepared.

Copacabana beach

Warren is a Juventus fan and was planning to go and watch a live match in the near future. But it never occurred to him that he could actually go to Rio de Janeiro and watch the World Cup final. All the time spent studying for the competition had indeed paid off. Warren admits: “I felt like Charlie Bucket when he found the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I cannot describe it further. To say I was happy and thrilled is an understatement.”

Germany 2014 World Cup Champions

Although Warren travelled alone, he was accompanied by a guide during his tour of the city. He recounts how South Americans are football lovers and people could be seen playing football all around the city especially on Copacabana beach. However, when Brazil played, the whole city went silent and even more silent after their defeat with Germany.

The World Cup, the biggest sporting event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the world. This year was no exception. Warren describes how hectic Rio de Janeiro was at the time with heavy traffic all the time in various parts of the city. The city never slept. “It’s almost as if people were always awake and never went to sleep.”

Although Warren is a Juventus fanatic, he favoured Germany for the night for their consistent methods and tactics throughout the previous games. After hours that seemed endless, Warren found himself entering Maracanã Stadium together with 75,000 other football enthusiasts.  “There was no moment of silence in the stadium. The tension from the Argentinean and German supporters filled the air.” Yet, the stadium was also filled with people carrying different flags. “I realised that we can get together and have fun, in spite of our different backgrounds.”

Germany lifting the trophy

After a game of anticipation, Mario Götze was claimed man of the match with his score during extra time. The tension was then relieved as it was clear that Germany would probably be the team lifting the golden trophy.

Warren recounts how the celebrations in the streets after Germany were called champions fulfilled the tournament. As expected, the honking horns and the singing from the German fans flooded the streets. “I had never seen anything like it. After the game, watching the celebrations was as exciting as the match itself.” The fireworks display after the game was simply jaw-dropping.  

Warren does not exclude a second trip to the South American city. Before the competition, voluntary work in Brazil was on Warren’s bucket list. He certainly did not imagine that three months after he would be sitting in the Maracanã watching the 2014 World Cup finals. Should another opportunity to visit South America come along there is no doubt he will definitely take it.

Back in Malta, Warren still could not believe he witnessed Mario Götze score the winning goal and Germany lift the World Cup trophy.

“It is the best experience so far. What more could one want?”

Warren thanks McDonalds, the official sponsor for the competition without which he would not have had the chance to visit the Maracanã and watch the World Cup finals. Heartfelt wishes go out to his family and his girlfriend for their support and time to help him prepare for the quiz.