Neighborhood crowds carry World Cup excitement into Sunday’s final

On Saturday, July 11, Soccer Tavern was packed with fans watching Norway face England in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. Neighborhood regulars, first-time visitors and supporters from across New York gathered at the family-run Irish pub on Eighth Avenue, many of them rooting for Norway. England won 2–1 after extra time, ending Norway’s deepest World Cup run.

The pub sits on a stretch of Eighth Avenue once known for its Norwegian and Scandinavian businesses. During Norway’s run, the bar became a gathering place for fans whose reasons for supporting the team ranged from family history and neighborhood ties to affection for star striker Erling Haaland and the appeal of an underdog.

Soccer Tavern filled quickly as more people arrived throughout the match. Supporters stood inside, while others watched from a small outdoor area in the back with seating and a screen. When Norway scored, the crowd erupted.

“I haven’t seen it like this since the ’70s,” said John Jensen, a longtime regular who began coming to the bar with his father when he was six.

Alex Zielinski traveled from Rockaway Beach after a friend recommended Soccer Tavern. He described the scene as “packed,” adding, “People are really into it and excited. It’s a different atmosphere than most places.”

Yajaira Hiciano, a Bensonhurst resident, had already watched three other World Cup matches at the bar before bringing coworkers to the Norway–England game. “It’s nice. It’s like a family place,” she said.

Jean-Michel Dissard, a documentary producer filming New Yorkers’ World Cup experiences, said the tournament shows how soccer brings people together across the city. “What we’ve seen, from Queens to Brooklyn by way of Manhattan and Staten Island, is people coming together,” he said.

Some fans connected Norway with their family history and the neighborhood’s past. Bryn Prieto came with her sister because their mother’s family is Norwegian and their great-great-grandfather first came to Bay Ridge. For longtime residents, supporting Norway was also a way to remember Sunset Park’s history.

“I’m rooting for Norway. This used to be all Norwegian at one time,” said Joe Collins, who has been coming to Soccer Tavern since 1988.

Abby Frodella, a Marine Park resident and former history major, said her interest in Viking history helped draw her to the team. “Norway kind of won my heart this time,” she said.

The same enthusiasm reached Sporting Club Gjøa, the Norwegian-founded club on 62nd Street, and House of GOAL, the World Cup culture festival at Industry City. At Gjøa after the quarterfinal, club treasurer Craig Svendsen called Norway’s loss “very disappointing” but said the team’s run was still worth celebrating. “They’ve never made it this far before, so it’s a great thing for Norway,” he said.

England’s own run ended Wednesday, July 15, when Argentina defeated England 2–1 in the semifinal. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

Fans can watch the final at several local venues. Soccer Tavern, 6004 Eighth Ave., has promoted itself as a World Cup headquarters through July 19. Sporting Club Gjøa, 850 62nd St., will open its clubhouse and back room to the public for the match, according to Svendsen. House of GOAL at Industry City, with an entrance at 51 34th St., offers free daytime admission beginning at 1 p.m.; advance registration is available online. Maria’s Bistro Mexicano, 886 Fifth Ave., has promoted World Cup viewing on its patio and is open during the final.