If this World Cup has been characterized by anything, it is because the stands have become a parade of familiar faces. Actors, musicians, athletes, and other personalities have been protagonists, even if only for a few seconds, every time the cameras focused on the audience. Perhaps some spectators did not remember their names at the moment they appeared on the screen, but their faces were familiar to everyone. Another American-style move. A practice typical of NBA shows.
Read more Rocafonda surrenders to its idol: «Lamine is Spanish»
Javier Bardem has not missed any of the Spanish national team’s qualifiers. And, of course, he was not going to be the exception at an event like the semifinal against France. This time he was not accompanied by Penélope Cruz, but by his eldest son, Leo. From the same world, but a different team, actor Timothée Chalamet attended, a Frenchman proudly showing the rooster on his bleu jersey.
Although those who transmitted aura from the stands, as Lamine would say, while the national anthem played were Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Xavi Hernández. They are the only Spaniards, along with the other 19 internationals, who know what it means to play a match like the one the current national team players experienced. However, they were not the only 2010 world champions who visited Dallas: Fernando Llorente, Jesús Navas, Carlos Marchena, Raúl Albiol, Javi Martínez, and Pepe Reina also attended the AT&T Stadium.
Of course, in a match of this caliber, international stars could not be missing either. David and Victoria Beckham took their seats in the stands. Someone less recognizable to the Spanish public was Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. A true legend and NFL record holder. Although, well, if records are concerned, none like Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, sitting there alongside Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 meters.
The other photo of the World Cup semifinal: Ana Botín and Juan Roig surrender to the streamer IShowSpeed in Spain’s victory over France
- Editorial: ENRIQUE CARRASQUILLA C. Madrid
And yes, this American-style move is quite something. Entertainment and comments trying to guess who is who in the middle of the match. A way to unwind amid the tension that such a match entails, such teams, a World Cup semifinal, no less.
The stands gathered some of the most recognizable faces on the planet. But, in the end, the face that ended up taking all the spotlight was that of a Spain that won again and ended up achieving, amid stars (those in the stands and those of the opponent), a World Cup final.
[Check here the best images of the semifinal between France and Spain]
