BY GIANNI UBRIACO
Chants and screams of joy rang out as fists were pumping and tears were flowing for thousands of people who had gathered to watch the World Cup of soccer's final game on the big screen in the lower hall of the Caruso Club as part of the 34th Italian Festival  July 9.
Italy defeated France in a thrilling 5-3 shootout after the
game finished in a one one
draw.
The memorable game brought the annual festival to an amazing
finish that no one in attendance will ever forget.
"I never though it would happen," said 18-year-old
soccer fan Silvano Costantini. "This is the greatest day
of my life. Italy used to be the worst team in the world on
penalty shots, but this year, they were the best soccer team in
the world. This is incredible."
That same feeling of joy was etched on the faces and in the
voices of all of those who were cheering for the Italian team.
"This is probably the most spectacular moment of my
life," said Medical School student and soccer fan Chris
Nizzero. "The last time they won was 1982, so it's
been a long time coming."
The 24-year-old explained that soccer is Italy's number one
sport, so the win meant a lot to all Italians.
"I think all of the Italians here really hold their
Italian culture in high esteem and I think it's really good
for the Italian community," he said. "Heart was the
difference. Both teams had heart, but I think Italy just wanted
it a little bit more than the French."
The first all-European World Cup final since 1982 was the first
loss for France in a championship match of any kind and the
fourth World Cup victory for Italy. The Italian soccer team had
traditionally been very poor in shootouts, losing out on
penalty kicks in the World Cup final to Brazil in 1994 and
again to France during the 1998 tournament.
This year was a different story.
"I feel that we break the spell after so many years of
losing in the penalty shots," said Filippo Rocca. "We
broke the spell once and forever."
The chef at the Italian restaurant, Verdicchio, could hardly
contain his joy following the hard-fought victory.
"It means everything to me," he said. "I've
been waiting all my life since I was four. The last time they
won the world cup was in 1982. I've been waiting 24 years
for them to win the world cup and now, finally, they won."
"Viva Italia," screamed 38-year-old Pino Vocaturo.
"In 1990, Germany won the World cup in Italy. In 2006,
Italy won the world cup in Germany. They stole it from us in
Germany. This year, we got it back."
Suffice to say the Mazlack Supply employee was extremely happy
and excited with the win.
"Everybody's spirit's are up," he said.
"I think it's great for Italian soccer. I think
it's great for the Italian culture, and on top of it,
it's the Italian Festival."
The win came on the final day of the four-day festival, but it
might as well had been the beginning of the festival because
the celebration of the win by Italy was destined to continue
outside the hall and throughout the night.
"This is the best Italian festival ever," said
teenager Romina Calisi. "This is so intense. It was such a
good game."
However, not everyone in attendance was happy with the outcome.
"I feel kind of sad because I was really hoping France
would win," said 18-year-old waitress Asheley Lajeunesse.
"I work in an Italian club, so I'm somewhat happy that
Italy won, but my heritage is French, so I'm pretty
sad."
Dishwasher Mike Gorgosch was not impressed with the win either.
"It's the first time they've won it in 24 years;
big deal."
