Kolkata: As Argentina crumbled under a relentless Spanish wave at the World Cup final, a deathly silence took over large parts of the city where residents, football fans and local club members had gathered in front of giant screens, anticipating yet another Messi-inspired victory. Rather than Messi on the victory podium, what they witnessed, instead, was their team losing the initiative entirely and giving in to the Spanish assault. Watch parties ended early, neighbourhoods plunged into a gloom and crackers were put away.A crowd of 5000 had gathered at Ganguly Bagan to watch the match on a giant screen, an initiative of the local Argentina Fans Club. The enthusiasm prior to the match was soon replaced by gloom and despair. Many left as Argentina failed to impress. The rest hung on till the last. “Argentina seemed a different team today than what they were in previous matches. None performed even at 10% of their abilities. The red card to Fernandez was unfair. But all credit to Spain for the way they raised their game and dominated,” said Uttam Saha, a fan club member.Sinthee resident Subhashis Chowdhury, an Argentina supporter, expected yet another magical goal by Messi. “I hoped that he would pull off something extraordinary at the end. But it was not to be and I am heartbroken,” he said.Argentina supporter Kingshuk Ghosh, a Batanagar resident, was shattered after watching Argentina lose. He joined a watch party with friends. “I never expected such a poor show from Argentina. We planned a grand celebration, but it was cancelled after Spain scored in extra time, and we left. This morning, I received a few calls from my Brazil supporter friends. I didn’t take their calls for they would have taunted me. I did not go to office either, but it’s a game and we must accept defeat,” he said.For many like Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) Eastern Region chairman Anil Punjabi, the match was ‘an emotional rollercoaster for our family and friends’. “We had all gathered together in front of the big screen, proudly cheering for Argentina and enjoying every moment of the World Cup final. Naturally, we were disappointed to see Argentina lose, but that’s the beauty of football — you can’t win every time. Spain played with great discipline, controlled possession brilliantly, and deserved the victory,” said Punjabi.Locals at south Kolkata’s Patuli organised a ‘Football Carnival’ with snacks and dinner before the match started at 12.30 am. Hundreds gathered in the neighbourhood, decked up with Argentina flags and posters of Messi & Co. The match was beamed on a giant LED screen while a separate zone was created for kids and female spectators. With Spain decimating Argentina, many left after 90 minutes. Some die-hard Argentina fans lingered to witness their side concede an extra-time goal. “It was heart-breaking. We will never get to see Messi again in a World Cup. But the idea was to soak in the occasion with everyone taking part. So, while Argentina lost, we all enjoyed the game,” said Gautam Das, an organiser.
