MADRID, July 11, 2010 (AFP) – A thunderous roar erupted across the Spanish capital and fans danced in the streets chanting “Viva Espana!” as the country’s first ever World Cup trophy sparked a nationwide fiesta. Said Adolfo, 25, “It’s an extraordinary feeling, of happiness and nerves.”
Others crammed into bars or gathered at home for the match, which left the country paralysed for two and a half hours Sunday evening.
Most were either wrapped in the Spanish flag, wore the red team shirts or red wigs, or had their faces painted red and gold.
One young woman was disguised as an octopus, in tribute to Paul, the now famous clairvoyant cephalopod in Germany who predicted Spain’s victory.
“Spain, Spain, Spain!” screamed the daily El Mundo in a headline on its website. “This World Cup has crowned one of the best teams of all time.”
“Iniesta took us up into heaven” after an “agonising” game, said the sports daily Marca. “We suffered, but it was worth it.”
Thousands of fans had earlier poured into the capital from other parts of the country to soak up the atmosphere, many travelling all night and planning to leave the next morning after a night of revelry.
“We’re going to celebrate lik