THE Fifa World Cup is football's biggest event that happens every four years.
Qualifying countries from all over the world come together bringing their most celebrated athletes, coaches, and teams. Often honored like gods for their exemplary skill and talent, names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Eden Hazard and Neymar highlighted this year’s World Cup in Russia. They showed the truest form of an athlete and passion for country.
In recent years, football had become more popular in the Philippines.
Thus, SPARCorp partners Carlos Veloso, Miguel Tuason, Buboy Arrieta and Andreas Tuason felt the need to celebrate this year’s World Cup with their fellow Dabawenyos. Being sports enthusiasts themselves they knew the members of the growing football community in Davao and promised a World Cup Finals event where everyone could come and celebrate with good food and drinks.
SPARCorp together with sponsors held a live broadcast of the 2018 Fifa World Cup finals, free of charge, at Damosa Gateway in Lanang. Anflocor and DamosaLand being major sponsors played integral roles in the event's success, having held the event in the company’s venue.
As guest arrived, they were greeted with the delicious smell of Bacolod Inasal from major sponsor JT’s Manukan and Grille, who took center stage and was the main caterer of the event. JT’s Manukan and Grille’s Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Chicken Sisig and other dishes served as the perfect match with Heineken Beer that also sponsored the event with draft beer and perfectly chilled bottles care of Beer Below Zero’s freezer technology.
SPARCorp not only promised great food and drinks but also great music; talents such as Imaginary Blue, Gab de Casto, Zach and DJ Keelo made the event extra fun and kept the crowd entertained.
The organizers together with sponsors like Angcore Group’s KIA and Heineken gave away premium prizes for the trivia questions, penalty kick and balloon dart games. It was truly an event for the whole family as children ran around and adults eager to test their football knowledge laughed and competitively raised their hands to answer questions about the World Cup.
At 11 p.m., the Finals started and all 400 spectators were silent, holding on to the hope that their team would win the 2018 World Cup. France and Croatia battled on like football gladiators and with every goal were screams of celebration and victory. Only 18 minutes into the match an unlucky own goal by Croatia’s Mandzukic struck the back of their net putting favorites France ahead 1-0. 10 minutes later Croatia’s Perisic scored a magnificent goal around the penalty box leveling the game at 1-1. Next, Antione Griezmann of France counted his penalty kick to stretch their lead to 2-1 before the half.
The second half saw both teams strive for glory but France set themselves apart by knocking in another 2 goals by Pogba and Mbappe before the 65th minute extending their lead yet again 4-1.
In the 69th minute Mandzukic regained possession from France’s last man LLoris to tap in their second goal. The match ended with France as World Champions at 4-2.
As people celebrated with France, the opposing team’s fans were equally happy. Croatia who had never been to the finals has captivated the world and Davaoeños alike.
They truly showed what the World Cup is about how football touches the lives of so many people around the world. No matter where you come from, no matter the odds, in the face of giants, win or lose, every team’s passion and strength will bring people together in celebration.
With this, SPARCorp hopes to bring sports to many Davaoeños not only football but basketball and volleyball as well. Since the company’s founding two months ago, they have had major plans for Davao sports. Next up is their 1st Kadayawan Sports Festival at Azuela Cove, the home of SPARCorp.
Organizers thanked JT’s Manukan & Grille, ANFLOCOR, Damosa Land, Mercury Steamship, S-Oil, Angcore, KIA, Heineken, Sea Green Café, CEL Logistics, Santito, Evita, GRAB, Beer Below Zero and Natures Spring, as well as their media partners WIN Radio, Energy FM, Mindanao Times, and Sun Star Davao.