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World Cup Viewing Party At Westport Library Gives Fans A Glimpse Of Home

WESTPORT, Conn. – Even though they sat practically alone in the viewing room Thursday afternoon, two Westport residents and native-born Brazilians cheered on their country during the first match of the World Cup tournament.

Westport residents Barbara Powell and Patricia Bello watch the first match of the World Cup tournament, cheering on Brazil in the McManus Room at the Westport library.

Westport residents Barbara Powell and Patricia Bello watch the first match of the World Cup tournament, cheering on Brazil in the McManus Room at the Westport library.

Photo Credit: Alissa Smith

Over the next month, soccer fans around the world will be watching with anticipation to see who takes home the World Cup in the tournament that comes around every four years.

This year the tournament is hosted by Brazil. Though it has been wrought with controversy - unfinished stadiums and riots in the streets are among the problems - Brazilians are sure they’re going to come out on top.

“They want it the most,” said Westport resident Patricia Bello. If Brazil win this year, it will be the sixth time it takes the top prize in the international tournament. “It’s a joy to watch Brazil play.”

For Barbara Powell of Westport, the games are a way to connect with her roots and her family. “My whole family is wearing Brazil T-Shirts today!” she said. Thursday morning, she and her family traded selfies of their shirts.

Trumbull resident Demas Bello, who works at the Westport Library, said he’ll be cheering on the United States during this year’s World Cup, adding that he thinks the team has a good shot at doing well.

Marcia Logan, communications coordinator at the Westport Library, said the library has been showing international sporting events such as the World Cup over the years.

“We have this big screen,” Logan said about the large screen and projector in the McManus Room. “It would be a shame not to share the experiences with the community.”

The library chose to show the World Cup games because more and more people are getting involved with the World Cup tournament and soccer in general, she said.

“We’re going to show as many [games] as we can,” Logan said.

The library website contains a schedule of the games that will be shown in the McManus Room. It will be updated every week.

The United States plays its first game against Ghana on Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. EDT.

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