Sixteen years later, Nepalis in Spain await that same joy

Barcelona (Spain): Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal in the World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa, made Spain world champions for the first time. But the joy of that historic moment wasn’t confined to South Africa alone. Thousands of kilometres away, Spain’s streets, squares, bars and public spaces stayed awake all night. Among that crowd were Nepalis living in Spain, who celebrated that history-making moment alongside Spanish fans.

Sixteen years later, history has arrived at a similar turning point. In today’s FIFA World Cup final at a stadium in New York-New Jersey, USA, Spain faces Argentina for a second title. The Nepalis who were working in bars while watching the match back then are now running their own businesses. Some recall the victory march in Bilbao, others the night spent with thousands of fans at Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya. Some are currently in Belgium or Germany, but their hearts are still waiting for Spain’s win.