John Dewey High School Reacts to World Cup
Students and Teachers react to the World Cup 2022
Team Korea vs Team Uruguay in the Group H opener of the 2022 World Cup.
February 28, 2023
November 20, 2022 marked the start of The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 22nd World Cup event. Featuring 32 teams from around the world in the biggest international soccer tournament, emotions ran high for viewers as they rooted for their team and country – and things were no different here at John Dewey High School.
These feelings remained throughout the tournament, as Argentina managed to make it to Finals and win the entire tournament, losing only to Saudi Arabia in their first match. This feat was especially heartwarming for Imani Vatista, junior, because “Argentina hasn’t won the world cup for 54 years”.
While many others hoped their country and team could pull through until the end to get the gold, a few were less hopeful. As one student who preferred to remain anonymous said, “(they) Expected that Portugal was going to lose”. But no one was doubtful of the fan favorite team of Argentina.
Not only was Argentina the commonly favored team but it’s also home to the most commonly liked player, Lionel Messi. Messi had made a record breaking 26th World Cup finals appearance in what’s been largely considered one of the best championship games of all time. “Best final match I’ve seen in any world cup”, said Mr. Eldebeck, math teacher. “Everyone was fighting their last breath.”
The World Cup has also been a big opportunity for people to celebrate their culture. Whether it be through wearing clothes from their country, or by representing their country’s flag. Some students have even painted their nails to match the colors of their country’s flag, offering a unique way to show love for their country.
Overall, The World Cup has been largely seen as a successful event. The amount of viewers has made it among the highest events ever from Fox Sports, only beaten out by Super Bowl LI and LIV. The Finals alone reached a global audience of 1.5 billion viewers. The common reception for it from viewers has also been positive, especially for its finals – some calling it the best finals in World Cup history.
