Batistuta's feat helps to revive a nation in crisis
June 4, 2002
WITH one goal Gabriel Batistuta has restored national pride to a country in crisis. For the first time in months thousands of Argentinians swept on to the streets of Buenos Aires in celebration rather than protest. It may have been difficult to tell the difference when, at 4.30am, a bare-chested hincha — as fans here are known — began blowing flames into the air as he danced between cars on the capital’s Avenida 9 de Julio. Most Porteños (people from Buenos Aires) watched the game against Nigeria in their homes, but at the final whistle they knew where to go. By foot, or in flag-draped cars, they descended on the streets surrounding the Obelisco monument, the scene of festivities after the 1978 and 1986 World Cup triumphs.
On Sunday it was as if Argentina had won the tournament again, instead of their opening group game. The spontaneous fiesta, which quickly blocked off the 16-lane avenue, proved just how much Argentina needed this victory. More than seven months of economic and social crisis has taken its toll on the Argentine psyche and the people relished the chance to let themselves go. In the week leading up to the World Cup they were nervous and subdued; now they lived up to their reputation of being the most passionate supporters on the planet.
The Times
The first throngs to arrive at the monument embraced and jumped up and down chanting “Vamos, Vamos Argentina; Vamos a ganar” (Let’s go Argentina; Let’s go to win) from all parts of the city a sea of blue and white converged on the centre. Fans of all ages wearing the striped shirt and jester-style hats, wrapped in flags and some with faces painted in the national colours, joined in the party. The colour was matched by the noise, with whistles, horns and beating drums competing with taxis beeping horns.
As a bus made a futile attempt to force its way though the crowds fans leapt up and slapped the windscreen and rocked it from side to side. Not even the sight of a young woman sporting a home-made bikini in the sky blue and white distracted the fans.
The dark side of Argentine football showed itself 90 minutes after the game. Gangs began hurling bottles and had to be driven back by armed riot police. No shots were fired and no one was hurt as the trouble was quickly quelled.
The more appealing aspect of watching football in South America had been evident during the match in the Grand Rex Cinema. The fans bounced up and down, chanted songs and provided a running commentary throughout. When Batistuta scored, blue and white confetti was tossed into the air from the balcony.
The Argentina fans now believe anything is possible and they are confident of beating England.