The World Cup fever that had gripped T&T for a month was finally subsiding yesterday after the final showdown that saw Germany capture its first World Cup title since 1990. A small number of fans could be seen wiping their eyes where they gathered at the Hyundai Fan Lime, staged outside Trotters, on Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain, after the gruelling encounter, while others were buzzing in celebration at the success of their favourite team.
Xavier Ali, 29, of Barataria, sporting a face painted in German colours, was one of several hundred supporters who braved the blistering hot sun to watch the highly-anticipated fixture, and was one of only a few dozen supporting the now four-time world champions.
“This was a long time coming. I never doubted this team, especially this year. Germany was unlucky at the last World Cup and Euros. They deserve it. They (Germany) played the patient game and while the final wasn’t anything like the Brazil win and they scored late, they did it and that’s all that matters,” said Ali who said the day was someone reminiscent of West Germany’s World Cup triumph in 1990. Ali said he could not forget Andreas Brehme’s late penalty which won Germany the World Cup in Rome.
Meanwhile, Nalini Sankar, who had her face in her hands from Mario Gotze’s 113rd minute winner to the final whistle looked as bitterly disappointed as the Argentine players on the massive screen. “I have to give it to Germany, but I’m still very upset about it,” said Sankar. “This was supposed to be Messi’s time. He still has a couple more World Cups in him, so I guess, if he remains on top of the world, it would just be a matter of time before he wins it.”
Sankar’s friend Candida Mohan added: “I liked Brazil for the cup, but since they lost, I went with Argentina. Messi is my favourite player and Barca is my favourite club, so I threw my support behind them, but Germany really do deserve it.” The venue attracted many more neutral football fans, who basked in the occasion to witness the world’s best players. One of them, 23-year-old Jevon Mitchell, said he was not in support of any particular team since Portugal’s exit.
“The match was okay. I’m happy for Germany. They are a disciplined team. They did good to keep Messi quiet and they also managed to score against Argentina, which was good defensively for a few games. I’m not a Germany fan but you can’t argue against them.”