Spanish style wins over New York's die-hard World Cup fans ahead of final

In New York City, as Spain gears up for the final, local die-hard fans express unmatched passion. Robert Sanfiz, who runs the Spanish nonprofit La Nacional in Manhattan, has been fielding late VIP requests for the watch party. He is already at capacity and unsure if he can accommodate more. Throughout the six-week tournament, La Nacional swelled nightly with supporters of La Roja. Sanfiz credits Spain's 2010 victory partly with reviving the 150-year-old organization, originally founded to help Spanish immigrants. Though the Spanish enclave has nearly disappeared, they remain for Spaniards missing home. This time, the steady performance led by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal and manager Luis de la Fuente's team-first approach keeps him calm. Still, he plans to stay distracted during the final by sitting outside and directing traffic, as the game's stress is too great.

A day before the final, Spanish red is not as ubiquitous as Argentina's white and blue, but fans feel their passion is unmatched. Javier Vriz, 38, from Chicago, who will attend the final in person, says being a long-time Spain fan means knowing pain, but the team has been consistent in vision and style, never wavering.

Spain has also become a home for New York's World Cup 'orphans'—neutral fans whose teams were eliminated earlier. Their success has built a coalition of new supporters. While Spain's colonial history has caused friction with Latin American fans, Argentina's controversial run has made them unpopular. Rolando Sanchez, 26, from the Bronx, who mainly supported Mexico, says he wouldn't mind Messi winning, but Spain's players are the future. Yamal's Moroccan heritage and the Spanish government's recognition of Palestinian statehood have boosted support in Arab enclaves like Brooklyn's Little Palestine.

Support is particularly strong in New York's West African community, boosted by the heritage of Spain's star players: Yamal's mother is from Equatorial Guinea, and Nico Williams's parents are from Ghana. Spain's government's pro-migrant policies have also enhanced positive perceptions. Ousman Saho, 34, who coaches Huntaz FC in the Bronx, says that is inspiring. He would have liked Senegal to win but hopes Spain's young talents get their first international glory. Mamadou Diabate, 36, who coaches Los Espanoles FC in the Bronx, is proud of his homeland Ivory Coast but says Spain's national team has always been special, showing how beautiful soccer and teamwork work.