Thousands of supporters erupted at Dhaka University’s TSC arena as soon as Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty, confirming that the world’s most coveted golden trophy of sport goes to legend Messi’s Argentina.
The sound of firecrackers, whistles and vuvuzelas, motorbike horns and car horns rocked the area soon after the end of the game. Celebrations began immediately after the match as most supporters didn’t even wait for the presentation ceremony, with others glued to television screens to watch Messi, arguably the game’s greatest player, lift the cup.
Thousands of fans – mostly wearing Argentina jerseys – were dancing, cheering, singing and some even crying. The long wait for Argentina fans is over after a penalty shootout followed by 120 minutes of nerve-racking play.
“I have been waiting for Argentina to win this cup since the heartbreak of 2002. That was the first World Cup that I saw. I was eight years old then. My heart was broken when the favorite Argentina crashed out of that World Cup. I don’t know what could be the most appropriate way to celebrate this success,” said Mustafa Mohammad Tahan, an alumnus of DU who came to watch the grand final with friends at TSC.
The wait for Swapan Miya, who has been selling tea for 36 years in TSC area, got longer.