ARGENTINA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL: Disappointed Argentines voice support for team's World Cup effort

Record ID: 449175

  • Title: ARGENTINA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL: Disappointed Argentines voice support for team's World Cup effort
  • Date: 14th July 2014
  • Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (JULY 14, 2014) (REUTERS) CORRIENTES AVENUE IN BUENOS AIRES SIGN THAT READS: 'THANK YOU, THANK YOU' PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET
  • Embargoed: 29th July 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Argentina
  • Country: Argentina
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA956IR431ACL2TU9CHKWMOR3LV
  • Story Text: Argentines praised their team's performance on Monday (July 14) the morning after Argentina lost to Germany 1-0 in a tight overtime match during the World Cup final in Brazil.
    The hopes of 40 million people had been heaped on the shoulders of the national side - in particular Lionel Messi, who picked up the 'Golden Ball' as top player of the tournament, and in-form goal keeper Sergio Romero.
    While Argentines were saddened that they didn't get to see their country take home the title, many still celebrated the result and were proud their team made it as far as they did.
    "I think that Argentina played well, they gave everything they had to give, and it's luck at the final, because he who gets the goal in, wins. The players did everything possible to win," said one fan, Damian Ganz.
    Many fans took comfort from seeing their side avoid the same kind of humiliating score inflicted on host Brazil. Germany thumped seven goals past a hapless Brazilian team in their semi-final.
    "The team gave everything, much more you can't ask for, it's very good because it's been a long time since they've been in this position. And well when the final has very good teams things get defined with details, and in that detail, they won. But really one should applaud them (Argentina). Very happy!," said another fan, Raul Talmont.
    But while many were happy with their team, others were disheartened by the rioting that broke out in post-game celebrations in downtown Buenos Aires on Sunday (July 13) evening.
    "The players did everything, they gave everything and we Argentines are very happy, but what happened yesterday, sorry that I have to say this, but they are delinquents. It was full of delinquents and no one does anything. That was a small disappointment, but well, what are we going to do, we are pretty used to that," said Facundo Siamand.
    Argentine riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to break up dozens rock-hurling youths in central Buenos Aires after the nation's hopes of a first World Cup win in 28 years were dashed by Germany in the final.
    Parents clutching their children ran away from the iconic Obelisk monument where tens of thousands of people had gathered post-game. Rowdy youths taunted police officers and tried to kick down the metal grills on some shop fronts.
    At least 15 police officers were wounded and more than 50 people detained in the unrest that followed the 1-0 defeat, local media reported.
    For some, the violence in downtown Buenos Aires soured what had been a festive atmosphere.
    "I'm sad about what happened, I'm sad that we Argentines are in this situation, that's what makes me sad, the other things can be repaired, but I'm also sad about the fact that we don't know what we are doing, we don't know how to celebrate and this is sad," said Juan Castillo, the manager of a bar that had its windows smashed by rioters.
    Germany forward Mario Goetze's volley in extra-time stunned local fans into silence. As the final minutes ticked down, millions of disconsolate Argentines were left to contemplate a defeat that deprived them of a first World Cup win since 1986.
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