NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — The Crossroads of the World, home to pregame fan events watched all over the globe in the last magical five weeks, was celebrating Sunday the way only it can.
It is the kind of excitement that takes four years to build up. “I had a range of emotions from excitement, to tears to joy,” said Valerie High.
Kemberly Richardson watched the final with thousands of fans in Central Park who shared in all that this international phenomenon brought to New York City.
In Newark, the end of the game was explosive. Spain was favored in the Ironbound District, where an outdoor watch party had fans sharing all the suspense of the tight final into extra time. It capped off two incredible months for one fan. “As a Knicks fan, to then win as a Spain fan. I’m so happy!! Lets go Knicks and let’s go Spaaaain!!!” said Alex Purkayastha.
The celebration couldn’t be contained at the party, spilling into the streets for hours saluting the new champs and taking pride in being great hosts.
saluting the new champs… and taking pride in being great hosts…
“I think New York and New Jersey did a phenomenal job. As a resident, right by MetLife, I live 5 minutes away, I thought that traffic was going to be a nightmare. But props to everybody that was helping out. It was not bad at all actually. And I’m so happy that the final was in our back yard. It’s a surreal experience. And let’s go Spain, baby!” said Ali Mahin. There is no rest just yet. The flag waving and car-honking and music blasting continues tonight in celebration of a world cup final well played and well-hosted.
Spain will not only be the defending champ in four years, it’ll also be one of the host countries, but the success of North America’s hosting will be tough to beat.
World Cup Final: Tri-State Area Celebrates Spain’s Win Over Argentina
