Spain applauds Zim support

While the euphoria that had gripped the world, particularly Africa, has died down, for victorious Spain, it’s just begun.
The Spanish community in Zimbabwe is ecstatic as it is gratified that the World Cup was held on African soil: The Spanish team – La Roja, which literally means The Reds – enjoy unparalled support in Africa.
While the Spanish players were engaged in a gruelling battle for the world’s top honours at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, the small Spanish community huddled somewhere in the hilly Ballantyne Park to cheer their boys on. And yes, the boys didn’t disappoint. The Financial Gazette joined the embassy staff and other guests to witness the momentous occasion in the history of that country.
As is the case with such kind of tournaments, there were quite some nervous moments and the sizeable crowd cringed and whizzed whenever things seemed to be going terribly wrong for Spain.
However, the twitchy refrains eventually came to an end after a killer goal four minutes from the end of extra time from midfield ace, Andres Iniesta, heaved Spain above The Netherlands.
After the Iniesta goal, the small crowd, which had gathered at the residence of the Spanish deputy head of mission, Victoria Tur, would occasionally break into song and cheers. A lady would stand up and wave the Spanish flag. After the final whistle, there were peaky screams as the celebrations started.
But for a crowd that had been forced to hold its breath for almost two painful hours, the atmosphere was somewhat depressed as compared to the wild celebrations associated with such an event.
Tur couldn’t hide her joy. She described the historic moment as “amazing” while some guests said they were not expecting any other result. After all, the psychic Octopus, Paul, had predicted a win for the Spaniards.
“It’s amazing and I am so happy. All the Spanish people should be proud of their country,” said Tur.
She said Zimbabweans should get comfort in the fact that with its closeness to South Africa, it has equally lifted the World Cup trophy as if the soccer jamboree had been hosted here.
“I feel humbled that by the support we received from many Zimbabweans and the rest of Africa. There were Spanish flags everywhere. Actually, I would like to thank every Zimbabwean who have helped us including the guy who gave me red and yellow flowers at the Sam Levy Village.
“I was amazed by the number of people who have been wearing Spanish regalia some of whom had the Spanish colours adorned on their vehicles. The friendly face of Spain should be the face that Zimbabweans should have of Spain. All the Spanish community is so thankful for that.
“Being Spanish and supporting the Spanish team has been very easy because the people were very warm and so confident that our team was going to win. For us, I think it’s an African-Spanish cup because so many African countries were supporting us.
“I don’t know why Spain has this very special relationship with Africans. Probably it’s a feeling that we get very well with Africa — we understand Africa and vice-versa; tha-t’s why we have this closeness with Africa.”
Tur took the opportunity to dispel rumours that the Spanish La Liga has lost its glitter given the fact that it is littered with too many foreign players.
She said in contrast, La Liga is the best league in Europe that has attracted a number of foreign stars such as Ronaldo of Portugal. “Our national team is also good despite the fact that we have a lot of foreign players in the La Liga. But also, some of our players play in other leagues as well where they compete at the same level with other European countries,” she said giving the examples of Fabregas who turns out for Arsenal and Torres who is at Liverpool both in the UK.
For soccer analysts, Spain’s exploits in South Africa prove that the La Liga is the most competitive in Europe, hence, it would be a waste for Spanish players to be plying their trade in other leagues. Most of the players in the champion squad play in the La Liga.
Tur has hailed the spirit of fair play within the Spanish team saying no player had been penalised for gross misconduct on the field. She said that spirit should extend to the relations her country has with Zimbabwe.
The La Roja arrived home on Monday, landing at the Barajas airport, to a glittering parade through the historic city of Madrid. They then travelled to a hotel to rest, before being received by King Juan Carlos in the Royal Palace and meeting with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
But the highlight of their homecoming was a five-kilometre open-topped bus ride through the streets of Madrid which was a sea of red and yellow. And as is now common knowledge, the next soccer festival will be held some four years from now in mystic Brazil.
But until then and probably by the time you read this piece, the writer would have relocated to the Spanish city of Pamplona where the famous and one of the craziest festivals in the world, the San Fermin corrida de toros (bull run) fiesta, is underway. There, surely, the celebrations for the first ever soccer World Cup win for Spain will continue in earnest.
Ah, by the way, I hear the alien vuvuzela has been banned for the bull run fiesta!