I had the privilege of accompanying the Colak family from Allentown during an unforgettable week for thousands of Argentinians who followed the national team across the United States. I shared with them the experience of the semifinal in Atlanta and stayed in touch as they traveled to New Jersey for the final. Amid flag-waving gatherings, chants, and long hours on the road, I learned the story of Gabriela Colak, Director of Religious Education at Holy Infancy Parish in Bethlehem and the mother of two Argentine children raised in the United States.
For Gabriela, experiencing a World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England was about far more than soccer.
“As an Argentine who has lived in the United States for many years, it was a mix of pride, emotion, and nostalgia,” she told me. “For a few hours, I felt like I was back home in Argentina.”
Among all the memories from that day, one stood out above the rest.
“I’ll never forget the moment the national anthem began. I looked at my two sons, who grew up here but feel Argentina’s colors as deeply as any Argentine, and I realized I was giving them a memory they will carry for the rest of their lives.”
After Argentina’s victory over England, Atlanta transformed into a sea of sky blue and white. According to Gabriela, the celebration could be felt everywhere.
“There was joy, hope, and tremendous confidence in the team. People were singing in the streets, in hotels, and even in airports. Before traveling to New Jersey, we all dreamed of lifting the trophy again. But for many of us, that wasn’t the most important thing anymore. This team had already brought us together as Argentinians, even while living so far from home.”
Gabriela attended the supporters’ rally and both matches for a very personal reason: to pass on her Argentine identity to her children.
“It’s not just about going to a game. It’s about sharing a culture, an identity, and a love for our colors. Supporting the national team in person makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, even from the stands. It’s about singing, cheering, and thanking the players for representing our country with such commitment.”
The final at MetLife Stadium did not end the way Argentine fans had hoped. Yet Gabriela chose to focus on pride rather than disappointment.
“Of course there was sadness because we all wanted to win. But I left feeling incredibly proud. I saw a team that gave everything until the final whistle, that fought with heart, and never stopped believing.”
The experience also left her with a lesson that extends well beyond sports.
“Success is not always measured by trophies. Sometimes it’s found in dedication, effort, and the ability to represent a country with dignity.”
In the days that followed, social media was filled with criticism of the team’s performance. Gabriela, who followed the squad’s journey firsthand, sees things differently.
“It’s very easy to judge from behind a phone screen when you don’t know the sacrifices that were made along the way. We were there. We saw the players’ commitment, the support of their families, and the passion of thousands of Argentinians who traveled from all over the world to cheer them on.”
She ended with a message for those who focus only on the final result:
“Soccer brings both joy and disappointment, but true fans stand by their team even when things don’t go as planned. This national team represented us with humility, hard work, and love for the jersey. That deserves respect and gratitude, regardless of the result. You only lose a final if you’re good enough to play in one. All the hate only makes us stronger and prouder of what we have.”
After sharing this journey with the Colak family, one thing became clear: for many Argentinians living in the United States, the national team represents much more than soccer. It is a connection to their roots, their identity, and a sense of belonging that transcends borders and results.
