For some LIers, the World Cup was the big draw last night
Brazil's Vinicius Junior and teammate Bruno Guimaraes celebrate a goal during the World Cup at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. Credit: AP/Adam Hunger
Not every Long Islander was fixated on the Knicks’ championship game. Some told Newsday on Sunday they did not watch it at all, or barely paid attention.
“The World Cup is my thing,” said Ellen McAuliff, 26, as she came out of the 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church in Sayville.
A former Adelphi University soccer player, McAuliff was home Saturday night as some family members watched the game, while she “did my own thing.” She said she peeked in during the game’s final moments.
“My brother is into it, so I’m happy they won," she said. “If a New York team wins, then I’m happy. It just brings pride to the city.”
Part of the struggle for some fans was simply staying awake. The NBA Finals game ended around 11:30 p.m.
Outside church, Ken Anziano of Sayville said he fell asleep during the game, waking up when there was about one minute left.
“I woke up at the end and I was, ‘Oh my god,’ ” he said. The Knicks, who had been losing, rallied to take the lead. “Those fourth-quarter comebacks — you gotta stay awake for the fourth quarter.”
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