The 2018 FIFA World Cup has presented some surprising developments.
Several traditionally dominant teams faltered during group play—Argentina and Portugal managed only narrow advances, and Germany suffered an unexpected elimination at the hands of South Korea.
When the Round of 16 commenced on Saturday, June 30, host nation Russia defeated Spain, a traditional powerhouse. Despite their struggles in the group stage, both Argentina and Portugal—featuring Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo respectively—were knocked out of the tournament.
Yet the unusual nature of this World Cup extends beyond what happens on the pitch.
Roy Avellaneda, a Chelsea City Councilor and passionate Argentina supporter, noted that “It’s a strange World Cup because the games are in the morning,” he said. “Having it in the morning, in these time zones, that negated the previous benefits of this and the gathering.”
The time zone challenge proves especially difficult when compared to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which shared similar time zones with the U.S. Since matches occur at times such as 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Avellaneda explained, gathering to watch games during work hours becomes nearly impossible.
The World Cup’s appeal remains strong nonetheless.
“It’s something that’s on 24 hours at this point,” Avellaneda noted. “It’s very pervasive that the World Cup is going on. Whether you go to a restaurant, whether you go to a bar, there’s a promotion going on.”
According to Avellaneda, who operates Pan Y Café, a Latin American-style café, and has Argentinian heritage, “Particularly in the Latino community, there’s a lot of attention,”
While his establishment doesn’t experience the same boost that sports bars might during major events, Avellaneda acknowledged that the morning games have brought additional patrons to his café.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup continues this week.
The quarterfinals begin Friday, with semifinals scheduled for Tuesday, July 10. The tournament concludes on Sunday, July 15.