KUCHING: Watching a FIFA World Cup match live was more than a bucket-list moment for Jasmine Suraya Chin.
For the Kuching-born Malaysian actress and television presenter, it became an emotional tribute to her late father, with whom she grew up watching football’s biggest tournament.
Jasmine told Sarawak Tribune on Friday (July 3) that the World Cup has always held a special place in her heart, recalling how she and her father would stay up late every four years to watch the tournament together.
“My late dad actually passed away the day before the opening match of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Even then, I made sure to watch the opening game because the World Cup has always meant so much to me,” she said.
Now based in Los Angeles, Jasmine took the opportunity to attend the Austria versus Spain match at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience made more meaningful by the memories it brought back.
Having followed about 80 per cent of the tournament on television, she said nothing compared to being inside the stadium.
“You wake up feeling nervous because you don’t want to miss anything. Then you arrive and see thousands of supporters wearing jerseys, carrying drums, waving flags, wearing mascots and singing. It was just incredible,” she said.
Jasmine said being seated close to the pitch allowed her to take in every moment, while the national anthems and sea of supporters created an atmosphere unlike anything she had experienced.
“The word I’d use is exhilarating,” she said.
Although she cheered for Austria, Jasmine admitted her support came more from her love of underdogs than any allegiance to the European nation.
“I’ve always liked supporting the underdogs. Spain deserved the win because they basically conquered the game, but I like to support the unexpected ones that people don’t think will win,” she said.
Despite Austria’s defeat, Jasmine said the experience remained unforgettable, especially after the final whistle.
“When the match ended, I stayed in my seat for a while just looking at the field. I couldn’t believe it. I was watching a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment.
“Later, on the shuttle ride back, I cried because it felt like I had brought my late dad with me to watch the game.
“It brought back all those childhood memories of us watching the World Cup together. It felt like I was watching it with my late dad. That’s very memorable for me,” she said.
For Jasmine, the night was more than football.
It was a memory carried from childhood, brought to life again under the lights of the World Cup.
