Kolkata: The city was stunned into silence as Spain demolished Argentina and snatched the World Cup away to halt Messi’s dream run. While a vast majority mourned the loss, pockets of the city erupted in celebrations after a mesmerising display of artistry and offensive football by La Roja.At nightclub Olterra off Park Street, a motley group of Spain fans cheered for Yamal & Co. They were far outnumbered by Argentina fans, who were soon forced into silence as Spain mounted a relentless offensive on the La Albiceleste goal. When the deadlock was finally broken by Torres’ strike in the 106th minute, they burst into celebrations.“Around 30% of the 250 guests who watched the match at our club supported Spain. It was one-sided but with Messi around, Argentina could have pulled it off. But Spain didn’t loosen the grip and proved to be worthy winners. Spain supporters had a wild time as they went berserk, screaming and jumping,” said owner Rudresh Agarwal, a Brazil fan who rooted for Spain on Sunday night.Dum Dum resident Debalina Bhatta watched the match with her family, cheering for Spain. She said, “Spain played wonderfully and deserved this win. I am a Portugal fan, but with Spain up against Argentina, I cheered for Spain. And how they dominated the match, virtually shutting out Argentina from the game! Messi was barely visible.”Sounds of crackers and drums emanated from a few pockets of Baranagar and Sinthi at around 3:30 am on Monday. Small groups of Brazil supporters in these areas, who cheered for Spain, had arranged giant screens to watch the match. They broke into celebrations even as their ‘Argentine’ neighbours went into shock.Avishek Sasmal, a resident of Baranagar and a supporter of Norway, cheered for Spain on Sunday night. He celebrated after the match with his friends. “I was quite sure that Spain would win as I followed all the matches they played during the World Cup. Above all, what attracted me most was their team spirit and strategy that gave them an advantage over Argentina. Some of my friends are very upset for Messi, but we had a small celebration at around 4 am.”Kolkata entrepreneur Pawan Israni, now based in Doha, watched the match at a sports bar with family and friends. While Israni supported Argentina, his wife Purnima rooted for Spain. “They were clearly the better team and outplayed Argentina. It was still a tense match since they were not able to score till the 106th minute. But in the end, they choked Argentina and squeezed the life out of Messi’s team. What a satisfying victory,” gushed Purnima.Rahul Mandhani, who watched the match with the Isranis, cheered for Spain with his son and daughter. “Spain flags took over the place with whistles, loud cheers, and our Argentinian friends just stood by in shock and despair. Lamine Yamal is a legend in the making,” said Mandhani.As substitute Ferran Torres found the net in the 106th minute, ecstatic supporters clad in red, gold and blue waved flags and set off firecrackers at Garia. “Kolkata is usually divided between Argentina and Brazil fans, but tonight belonged to Spain. I had my Argentine friends taunting me ever since Brazil’s early exit. As I watched the match with my fellow Brazil supporters, we took our bikes and visited the residences of our Argentine friends, distributing chocolates to them,” said Subhajit Das, 28, a resident of Garia and an advertising professional.“We were completely outnumbered by Argentina supporters at our watch party, but our belief never faded,” said Ananya Roy, 24, who was joined by Saptak Banerjee, 25. Both have always been loyal to Spain and Germany.(With inputs from Dwaipayan Ghosh)
