When El Cajon’s Iraqi Americans gathered to watch Iraq play Norway in the World Cup, first they sat with their families and friends. But it was so crowded, they quickly made new connections.
Groups needed to combine, bonding with each other over their dedication to the Iraqi squad, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in four decades. Two pairs of men clinked their beer glasses in a toast to the game after asking to join the other’s table.
Iraqi National Team Supporters in California, a group dedicated to Iraqi soccer, held the watch party at Prestige Banquet Hall in El Cajon Tuesday, hosting fans over kebab and hummus plates as the game unfolded.
“Every time you see an Iraqi, you just click with them, and then you start being friends with them,” said Deema Yacoub, who cheered on players as they came close to scoring. She said she met a group of girls at the event and connected with them over the match…