2018 FIFA World Cup: Fans across Syria tune in to tournament

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02:45

Even when fans wear different colors, the event, the tournament, the excitement, it all helps bring the world together. People are watching the world cup in every corner of the globe, even in war-torn Syria. CGTN's Alaa Ebrahim reports.

If you're a restaurant owner in Syria, then you would do what Ilias did. Like many restaurant owners, he's showing the World Cup to attract customers.

ILIAS ASA'AD RESTAURANT MANAGER "People in Syria are passionate about the world and they support several teams during this event, but many people can't afford to get the game in their homes. So, we tried to use the World Cup to promote our business by offering people a place to meet, eat and watch the games."

When Syria's team missed qualifying last year, people threw their support behind other national teams like Germany, Brazil and Argentina.

In communities near the capital - like here in Eastern Ghouta - the World Cup is a reminder of what life used to be like without war. This district witnessed some of the conflict's worst battles. People lived under siege, in constant fear of bombardment, and radical groups.

The fighting ended here less than two months ago.

ABDUL HAMID RESIDENT OF EIN TARMA, EASTERN GHOUTA "For years before now I didn't watch a match. Before we couldn't. There is no electricity and we couldn't even move freely, but now it is different. Just let me watch."

Watching a football match is a diversion that many had forgotten. In this little barber shop, there is no shortage of enthusiasm.

HAJIM RESIDENT OF EASTERN GHOUTA "I never thought I would have the peace of mind again to watch the World Cup again. Before the war, this was a major event, and now we are slowly coming back to it."

Back in Damascus, a mega-screen in a public square has attracted a crowd. It wasn't that long ago that people were afraid to gather, because of mortar attacks.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "World Cup fever can be contagious-even in the most unexpected places like the capital of war-torn Syria. As government forces fight a major offensive in the south - one that some say could determine the outcome of the war - these citizens are taking a break from the conflict. For 90 minutes they're just football fans like countless millions are elsewhere in the world."

For these children, being a spectator isn't enough. They dream of World Cups to come. And, maybe they, too, will one day play football on a screen like that one. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN Damascus.