Red-hot party: Ecstatic Spain fans let it all hang out. — AFP
MADRID: Spain collectively held its breath – and then let it all out with wild parties on the streets, chants and car horns as ecstatic fans celebrated the victory.
Millions of Spaniards kept their eyes peeled on the TV and gathered around the multiple big screens placed across the major cities of the country, as their national team managed to beat England 2-1 with a late goal.
Loud cheering could be heard in almost every corner of the country as Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the two goals that gave Spain their fourth European Championship crown.
“Yes, yes, the cup is here,” chanted fans in Madrid’s Colon square, where Spain usually celebrates the national team’s victories.
Fans who gathered in Mataro, the hometown of Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, were excited to see him assist Williams. “It is a matter of pride, we are very lucky because he is the MVP of Spain!,” Ana, 18, said.
The Spanish joy contrasted with the disappointment of the huge number of English fans gathered in several tourist spots in Spain to watch the game, such as the coast city of Benidorm.
People talked about nothing but football during this weekend in Spain, the balconies filled with national flags, the streets with red football jerseys and the bars with enthusiasm.
The last time Spain reached the final stage in the Euro was 12 years ago, when they beat Italy 4-0 to win their third tournament. — Reuters
