'Viva España!: Spain unites in joy at second FIFA World Cup crown
Thousands danced in the streets, set off fireworks and launched red flares in Madrid as the party went on into the early hours of Monday after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup. Waving red and gold flags, Spaniards and fans from around the world...
Spain erupted in celebration after the national team defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, with festivities spilling into the early hours of Monday in Madrid and other cities across the country.
Thousands gathered in the Spanish capital, where fans waved red and gold flags, set off fireworks and lit red flares as they celebrated La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup crown. The winning goal came in extra time from Ferran Torres in New Jersey, sealing a tense contest that kept supporters on edge until the final whistle in New York.
The mood in Madrid was jubilant and emotional. At Plaza de Cibeles, fans packed the streets, singing “A Viva España” and cheering as the celebrations stretched late into the night. Some supporters had travelled long distances to be part of the moment. Mario, who came from Barcelona, said he drove to Madrid so he could watch the match among fellow fans and join celebrations planned for the players’ return. Islem, who flew in from Tunisia, said the trip was worthwhile because he believed Spain would win. Another supporter, Alvaro, who had come from Malaga to watch on a giant screen, described the victory as beautiful and overwhelming.
The celebrations were not limited to Madrid. In Barcelona, revellers took to the streets and beaches, lighting fireworks and continuing the party after the final result was confirmed. The victory also resonated in Rocafonda, the neighbourhood in Mataro where teenage forward Lamine Yamal grew up. Residents there, who still consider him one of their own, marked the occasion in the streets and around the community pitch where he learned the game.
Yamal, who was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, has long referenced his roots during his career. He has used a “304” hand gesture after scoring, a nod to Rocafonda’s postal code, and has worn a “Rocafonda” headband during the World Cup. He has also said football can be a force for racial and social integration.
Spain’s political leadership joined in the celebrations online. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X that Spain were world champions and praised the national team’s performance. The report is based on a monitored public feed, with attribution to Reuters material carried by Dawn Sport.
Source: Dawn Sport - https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown
