For two weeks prior to the opening ceremonies, constant coverage was shown in the sports networks. The training times, the speculations about the line-up, if Messi would actually play to his potential for his patria, etc. Mundial mania hit the newsstands in special editions with magazines, posters, DVDs, CDs, etc. Argentine flags everywhere, vendors in the streets with everything even doggie Argentina coats!
Friday, the opening ceremonies finally arrived. News was reported of big screens that would be being installed in three plazas throughout Buenos Aires and people anxiously made plans for where they would watch the game. The game was set for 11:00am Saturday morning Argentina time against Nigeria. As of Friday night, Maradona still had not released the line-up and announced he would only just before the game.
Saturday morning was filled with a combination of nervousness and anxiousness in the air. The bakeries were full with people buying facturas (pastries) and other tasty treats to eat during the game. Everyone moved about the streets with food, beverages and a destination. I myself was going with Marina and Veronica to Sole´s house where Marina has tradition of always watching the game. Upon arriving, her two sons opened the building´s doors with while and celeste painted faces wearing hats and blowing horns. Lola, who just turned one, had her little jersey on. There was food and mate and we were all anxious for the game to start. The lineup was announced and everyone cheered to learn who was playing. They showed the players faces before coming out and we all raved about the cute ones on the team! Maradona had on a suit that everyone raved about how professional he looked!
Oddly enough, at that point everything stopped. Not one car in the street or bus or person (well 1 that I will explain in a minute). The world was still with all eyes focused on the game. After some intense play and Argentina´s first goal there was some relief. At half time we went out on the balcony to wave the flag and for fresh air. Other people also stepped out to see what was going on, but there was nothing. Imagine, an entire country stopping for one game!
Ok, so the exception to this (which I had never seen before) was this old man painting the corner store. As we were cheering for Argentina on the balcony he started yelling at us for celebrating! How dare we watch the game and cheer on a country that is in a drastic economic state. We are supporting the politicians and we have jobs and there are more serious problems at stake. In disbelief my friends started yelling back and then the neighbors joined in that were outside! Despite everything, it was the mundial! Fútbol is what unites the country en frente the other countries. Hard times yes, but everyone escapes them for a game that is more powerful that politics or economics. It is the symbol of life, of hope, of unity. It is the sign of hard work and patriotism. Everyone was shocked at this man´s reaction.
Turning back to the game, the almost goals on both sides were torturous. Learning there were 4 additional minutes at the end- worse! However, Argentina held strong and proved victorious! Throughout the game, Maradona had the rosary in his hand the entire time. Want to know what girls talk about the game? How cute the players are, if they are single or married or have kids, you know all the important stuff :) ! With the game over a sense of relief swept throughout the country that could be felt by everyone. Horns, flags and the satisfaction that the first game was won put everyone at ease. Suddenly cars started to appear on the streets, the buses were running again and people were walking. Until Thursday at 8:30 a.m., the time of the next game...
Beautifully written, great imagery, I wish I could see it with my own eyes. I shall definitely keep reading... Thanks!
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