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🇺🇿 Uzbekistan /Sports

More Than Football: An Uzbek Perspective on the Atmosphere in Atlanta

From Gazeta.uz · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The author traveled to Atlanta in a semi-truck with an Uzbek driver to cover Uzbekistan's football match.
  • The journey highlighted the hard life of long-haul truckers in the U.S. and the driver's provisions for the trip.
  • Atlanta is heavily decorated for the football tournament, with signs and advertising reflecting the event.

The journey to Atlanta for Uzbekistan's football match against Congo was an adventure in itself, involving a twelve-hour ride in a semi-truck driven by an Uzbek man. The driver, en route to North Carolina, made a stop in Texas to support the team. His truck served as a mobile home, equipped with a bed, kitchen, and provisions like shashlik and kazan-kabob, sourced from Uzbek restaurants. He lamented the poor quality and high cost of food in America, contrasting it with the hearty meals he was accustomed to.

You see what a hard life truckers have.

— Uzbek truck driverDescribing his experience as a long-haul trucker in the United States during the journey to Atlanta.

Sharing the cramped cab with the driver, the author and photojournalist Evgeniy slept when they could during the overnight journey. Stops at gas stations provided brief moments for routine tasks, like cleaning the windshield. Conversations with the driver offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Uzbeks working as long-haul truckers in the United States.

Arriving in Atlanta early morning, they spent time at a typical American diner, known for its large portions and friendly staff. Their waitress, Mariama, a native of South Africa, inquired about their stay and origin. Upon learning they were from Uzbekistan, she correctly deduced they were there for the World Cup, distinguishing it from "soccer." The author noted that the name "Uzbekistan" seemed to be gaining recognition, possibly due to the team's performance or the tournament's growing attention.

We Uzbeks are not accustomed to eating poorly, and the food in America, it must be said, is bad and expensive.

— Uzbek truck driverCommenting on the quality and cost of food in America compared to Uzbek cuisine.

Atlanta was buzzing with football fever. Billboards, shop displays, and city screens were all themed around the tournament. Even non-sport brands incorporated football into their advertising. Clear signage directed visitors to the stadium and fan festival, indicating Atlanta's well-organized approach to hosting the event. While it remained uncertain if Mariama would cheer for Uzbekistan, her American friendliness was deeply appreciated.

So you are here for the World Cup?

— Mariama, waitressAsking the author and his colleague about their presence in Atlanta after they identified themselves as being from Uzbekistan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Gazeta.uz in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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