A nail-biting finish to the World Cup erupted with thunderous applause, foot stomping and cheers as Germany’s fans celebrated the team’s 1-0 victory over Argentina yesterday. Thousands of football fans gathered at various spots across the country to see the game. The city of San Fernando became a ghost town half an hour before the much-anticipated match started, as watering holes filled up with crowds of supporters.
At D’ Vibez Lounge at Gulf View Link Road, fans were treated to fish broth and soft drink as they celebrated Mario Götze’s goal which secured Germany as winners of the 2014 World Cup. Argentina fans, some of whom wore striker Lionel Messi tee-shirts also joined in the celebrations.
D’ Vibez’s Creative Marketing manager Shantell Hill said fans got specials on beer paying $55 for a six pack and $100 for a cooler filled with a dozen beers. The lounge was decorated with World Cup flags and a blackboard with the words “Who you backin?” Hampers courtesy Coca Cola were distributed to those who placed bets on the winning team. Christal Joseph, who was supporting Germany from the start, said: “Germany had team work. It was never a one-man show.”
Her friend Abigail Bain said: “It is clear from the start that the Germans would bring back the cup.” At the Rig on South Trunk Road, football fans spilled outside of the lounge to watch the game on large screens. Patrons ordered food and drinks. Two teenagers who tried to sneak into the lounge to watch the game were turned away. Unfazed, they simply opted to watch the match from outside. At Carnival City lounge, hundreds packed in to watch the game, some with faces painted in German or Argentine national colours.
When the game went 90 minutes without either team scoring, fans were hungry for action. Supporters began to chant “Germany! Germany!” In the 113th minute of the match, when Götze stunned Argentina with his surprise goal, the crowds went wild. Backers of Argentina, sickened with disappointment, began chanting: “Messi Messi.” It was an animated affair. Earlier, when Gonzalo Higuaín had gone offside with his goal attempt, the crowds booed loudly.
As Gonzalo was called for a foul after he collided with Germany’s Manuel Neuer, fans began chanting: “Justice! Justice!” However, many grimaced when Messi in the 122nd minute failed to score when a clear shot at goal was struck over the bar. With all the hype, necessary precautions were still being taken. Some patrons were turned away by a security guard who warned that the lounge was overcrowded. “We are not allowing anyone to come in here because the place is too full.
“There is only one entrance and if there is a fire, it will be dangerous,” she explained.