The World Cup final was an embarrassing three hours for Argentina. Argentinians are used to suffering, but this time the struggle had a happy ending.
BUENOS AIRES. Argentina celebrates the soccer world championship. In the country’s capital, Buenos Aires, things got tough on Sunday evening. Fireworks went off in the city and the constant revving of cars was heard as the 36-year wait came to an end.
Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out and took the win in a colorful final. The championship is the country’s first since 1986.
In Buenos Aires, people gathered near the Obelisco, the city’s most famous attraction. According to news agencies, at least one million, maybe even two million people fanned the championship at the foot of the monument. The nearly 70-meter high stone slab Obelisco was erected in 1936 to honor the 400-year history of Buenos Aires.
One daring fan even climbed out of the window at the top of the Obelisco.
For the Argentines, the final match was like their whole life in miniature. Many feel that Argentines are destined to suffer. There was a happy ending on the football field when Lionel Messi and the rest of the team withstood the pressure in the decisive moments.
The championship was welcome to the country. Up to 40 percent of Argentina’s approximately 47 million inhabitants live in poverty.
Same places, same rituals
The employees of a cafe in Buenos Aires came to work voluntarily on the day of the finals.
– We don’t want to break the routine. That’s why we decided that everyone who was at work on the first day of the game will come today as well. Now we see that it paid off, says the restaurant manager of a bakery cafe in the Palermo district Aileen Jimenez moved after the last penalty kick.
The customers also sat at the same tables.
Argentinians are superstitious people. That’s why many had a cabala, a ritual to try to ensure victory. For example, people always watch the game wearing the same jersey and with the same people. Everything had to be in a certain way for victory to be possible.
On Sunday, the staff served customers who were seated in the same places as during the semi-finals.
Many people had some good luck item with them.
– I jumped on these Buddha statues. Argentina have won every time I’ve had them. In addition, I consulted a familiar witch who knew that Argentina would win, said someone who watched the game Roberto Carlos Cabaretto For Urheilu.
That’s why he wasn’t particularly nervous watching the game.
– I know many people who asked witches for help before the match.
Those close to the players also believed in supernatural powers.
For example, Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo is known to always wear the same shirt while watching the game.
The Argentines’ routines and magic paid off. The party is still going on. Monday is an allowed day off for many.
Below is a compilation of images from Buenos Aires during and after the match.