Vamos Argentina!
BIG HAT, originally uploaded by blmurch.
Being in Argentina right now is a pretty surreal experience. Fútbol is life here and the team has been kicking ass in the World Cup. I was in the USA in 2006 and I vaguely remember hearing about it that summer.
Diego Maradona has brought together a disparate team, the players are attacking magnificently and Maradona is charming the world. Fun fact: he might just be the third person to have ever won a world cup as both player and coach. "Mário Zagallo played for Brazil when it triumphed in 1958, and was the coach in 1970. Franz Beckenbauer captained Germany to the title in 1974, and was its manager in 1990." Source (article definitely worth reading)
Last Saturday, I went with my friend Kate (her awesome photo essay from the day) to Plaza San Martin where the city government has set up two huge screens so that fans can unite and watch the games together. We watched the Argentine team beat Mexico. We both took photos of the fans reactions. Here's a sample, there are more on flickr.
The crowd was totally decked out and there was even a contest to see who was the biggest fan. The gorilla won that day. After the match, I rode my bike back home and the city was empty and noisy at the same time. Car horns were honking, people were yelling and singing and those damned Vuvuzela's horns were blaring.
Bright and early on Saturday morning, I am going to Parque Centenario to take more photos - hopefully it won't rain. Best of luck to Argentina against Germany!!
Celebrating the first goal!
Vamos Argentina!
Noooooooooooooooo!
Victorious