A nail-biting finish to the World Cup saw Spain lift its second trophy after extra time.
Spain netted in the 106th minute to clinch the country’s second World Cup – and deny Argentina its fourth.
Fans of both teams converged on bars throughout Cayman Sunday, with many watching the intense match at XQ’s, on West Bay Road, which is co-owned by Fede Quiroga, from Argentina, and Alvaro Quintas, from Spain.
Sinclair Palavecino, who is half Argentine and half Venezuelan and who works in IT, and wife Andrea Novella, a physiotherapist, said he took the safe route and backed his spouse’s side.
“My wife is from Spain, so I have to support Spain,” he said.
“I was very confident with the way they were playing. They had so many attempts on goal.
“Argentina, unfortunately, they had nothing. It was also unfortunate that one of the Spanish goals was taken away.”
Andrea said after the final whistle blew: “I don’t have the words. We were so excited, but so nervous.
“But I knew Spain was going to play and I knew they were going to win – I’m just proud of my country.”
Fans of Argentina were downcast but said they still felt pride in the way their team performed.
Naheuel Esquef, originally from Argentina and who works in hospitality, said, “I don’t feel too bad. I’m happy for Spain, so I don’t have anything negative to say.
“And I’m happy Argentina progressed so far in the competition.”
Canadian Melanie Shulman, who works for interior design company IDG, said she supported Spain because she had lived in Malaga.
“Spain deserved to win,” she said, “but it was such a good game and such good sportsmanship right to the end.
“I think that was one of the best games we’ve seen – they all put their hearts into it.”
Juan Gonzalez, an Argentine who works in the hospitality business, said, “It’s very disappointing after we won against England.
“I was very comfortable about that and not to win today hurts a bit.”
But he added Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was “a hero” who had kept his team in the game despite relentless Spanish pressure.
Gonzalez said, “It was an outstanding show of how to cope with such attacks.”
He added that it was perhaps inevitable that Martinez would slip up against such a barrage.
He said, “After so many shots, you can’t judge everything, but he did an incredible job.”
Gonzalez added, “I feel proud that our team reached the final and gave our people so many beautiful emotions in what are hard times.”
Quintas said after the final whistle, that the bar, and others around Cayman, had all been winners as a result of the World Cup.
He added, “It’s been really good for business. This is normally a fairly quiet time of the year.”
Quintas praised the fans who packed the premises for their “good nature and friendliness” despite their rivalry.
He said, “It was everything you would expect from a great sporting occasion.”
Quintas added, “I’m delighted that Spain won. At the same time, Argentina were worthy opponents, but the best team won.”
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