Advertisement

Argentina fans in Berlin: 'We were just unlucky'

The Local Germany
The Local Germany - [email protected]
Argentina fans in Berlin: 'We were just unlucky'
Photo: DPA

Not everyone in Germany on Sunday was supporting Die Mannschaft. Several dozen Argentinians and some Germans packed into a small restaurant in Berlin for the World Cup final.

Advertisement

“We are a minority here, and people kept saying Germany would crush us like they did Brazil. But they underestimated us,” said Tania Lescano, owner of the Madama Gaucha Restaurant in Berlin's Friedrichshain district, one of a handful of Argentinian businesses hosting viewings of the final.

“But it was also beautiful - in 23 years here I have never seen so many Argentinians together in one place in Germany,” said Lescano, whose tiny establishment was packed for the championship's epic culmination. 

Decked out with the South American country's flag and strings of blue and white balloons, the restaurant witnessed a helter skelter of emotion through the day, from pre-match excitement to subdued yet stoically sporting acknowledgement of the outcome.    

“Argentina played well and second place is also something to be proud of,” said fellow Argentinian Veronica Carral, 42. "I personally am happy and proud of Argentina."

PHOTO GALLERY: Germany beat Argentina 1:0



“Both teams were equally matched, it could have gone either way,” added Mario Verandi, 43. “But there was a bit of luck too in the end.“

Loyalties were also unusually spread as some fans watched the game.

"I wasn’t interested in football until I saw Maradona play in 1986, and I have supported Argentina ever since,“ said 44-year-old Berliner and Argentina fan Manuela Mangels.

She was adamant that her loyalties were not stretched as a German, even in this crucial game.

"I always followed everything alone before, at home and online, and this is the first time I sought out company to watch a game. Argentina were just unlucky," she said.

By Nick Allen

SEE ALSO: Germany beat Argentina to win World Cup 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also