Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is preparing for a summer of heightened noise and public excitement as the World Cup approaches, with football supporters across the island expected to follow the tournament closely.
Although Cyprus has not qualified, and Greece is also absent from the competition, many residents are still expected to adopt teams and engage intensely with the event.
Island-wide anticipation
Every four years, the World Cup brings a noticeable rise in noise across Cyprus, with reactions expected to carry through balconies, open windows and terraces during the tournament.
Cheers, groans and arguments are expected to be heard across neighbourhoods as fans respond to matches in real time.
Strong local interest in football
Cyprus is described as a football-loving nation with a high level of interest in the sport. Research cited in the source text says 77 per cent of local men support a football club, while almost eight in ten have an interest in football.
That interest is expected to translate into broad engagement with the World Cup over the summer.
Support beyond national teams
Despite Cyprus not qualifying for the tournament, and Greece also not taking part, supporters on the island are still expected to choose teams to follow between the opening match and the final.
The tournament is presented as more than a football competition, drawing emotional investment, celebration, disappointment and debate throughout its run.
Adopted loyalties during the tournament
The World Cup is expected to inspire support for countries that residents may not normally follow, as viewers across Cyprus adopt new teams during the competition.
Examples in the source text include a person in Larnaca becoming distressed by Uruguay’s elimination and a hairdresser in Nicosia closely following Japan’s progress.
