Laughter, tears under big tent

If the first day of the World Cup is anything to go by, the chances are that the month-long tournament will take its toll on work production in Malta.

In Valletta, hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life yesterday shuffled their work schedule at about noon to savour the spectacular inauguration ceremony from South Korea followed by the first game between France and Senegal.

One of the most popular venues was the old opera house where some 200 people turned up to watch the game on a specially installed big screen under a tent.

The activity had its comical moment: during the second half of yesterday`s match a PBS cameraman ventured into the tent to film the spectators. But within seconds most of the crowd had scurried away from the camera: they were apparently away from work without leave.

The hilarity turned to tears for fans of the French team, which in a shocking result lost its debut match to Senegal 1-0.

At least three other cafes in Valletta which have TVs installed reported better than normal custom as football-lovers spent their lunch break watching the game.

Several companies have adopted a flexible approach to the World Cup and have allowed their employees to watch the games. Others have installed televisions in their office for the duration of the tournament.

Abnormal absences from work are expected to increase in the mornings as favourite teams play, such as Italy, England and Germany.