With the temperature at 9pm nudging 32C, Spanish fans in Madrid defied the heat and early workweek to fill bars, parks, fairgrounds, and bullrings, waving rojigualda flags and cheering Spain to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.
Fans Gather Across Madrid
In the capital, supporters descended on a giant screen by the river Manzanares and the 15,000-capacity Movistar arena. Most headed to the Plaza de Colón, under the statue of Christopher Columbus, where the largest flag in Spain—21m by 14m and 35kg—flew overhead.
The Argentinian ambassador in Madrid, Wenceslao Bunge, had urged pride and cool heads in a video message. "What a dream of a final: Spain and Argentina," he said. "Two brother countries ... Let this final be an example for us and for the world when it comes to sport and to the meaning of values such as work, perseverance and respect for others."
Mixed Emotions Before the Match
Before the game, hopeful cries of "a por la segunda!" (Let's get a second title!) echoed. Sebastián Eros, a Chilean with a Spain flag around his neck, admitted agnosticism: "We're not really bothered who wins. If Spain win, that's brilliant. But if Argentina win, at least the cup will stay in South America."
An 18-year-old madrileña named Katy was more excited: "It's a historic moment and it's really exciting." She was two years old when Spain last won the World Cup. Miguel Hinojal Vicente, 37, from Toledo, recalled Spain's last triumph: "Shit, it was just a magical thing." His friend Raquel García added: "This is about the hopes of a country and it's about unity. Events like these bring people together and they make people happy."
A Slow Game Tests Patience
The slow pace, lingering heat, drifts of dope smoke, and drones of vuvuzelas created fidgety boredom until 11.26pm, when Nico Williams slammed the ball into the Argentinian goal—only for it to be disallowed. The roars gave way to torpor, and some fans nodded off in doorways.
Seventeen minutes later, Ferran Torres' goal drew a thunderous roar. Screams, smiles, and flares erupted. Another disallowed goal followed, but Spain's momentum became unstoppable. At the final whistle, just after midnight, the Plaza de Colón erupted: fans, police, and ambulance workers howled with delight. Tears flowed and hugs were mandatory. A por la segunda? ¡Sí señor!
