It was a game decided in overtime, and Spain triumphed, winning its first World Cup title in a 1-0 decision and setting off celebrations around the world. Here’s Tonic’s list of the Top Five Ways the world is celebrating:
1. In Madrid, Spain thousands of people, many wearing the Spanish team jersey, gathered to watch the match on a giant outdoor screen beside Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Post-match, the mania spread to the streets with the crowd cheering “Ole, Ole, Ole,” jumping, hugging, waving flags and interrupting traffic down the city’s main Paseo de la Castellana.
2. In Oberhausen, Germany, the octopus savant Paul nestled up to a copy of the World Cup trophy in his aquarium. The eight-legged oracle became an international celebrity by correctly predicting all seven Germany games in South Africa, as well as the Spanish victory over the Netherlands.
3. In Boston, fans of the Spanish World Cup team gathered outside the Christian Science Center and stripped down to their skivvies or jumped into the renowned reflecting pool fully clothed. Waving flags, blasting horns and screaming Espana, Espana, the pool dip did little to cool their enthusiasm.
4. In Melbourne, Australia, wild celebrations took place at the Spanish Club as a crush of supporters spilled into the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill. At least 500 people wrapped in flags and wearing red and yellow t-shirts crammed the club, some standing on chairs and tables. Hundreds of other fans were outside the club, kissing, screaming and hugging.
5. In Toronto, fans congregated on College Street to celebrate Spain’s victor. The streets were clogged with happy soccer fans and the streetcars became ersatz stages, where the exuberant climbed on top for top visibility.
Read more Tonic Lists.
Photo by Nikopol_TO via Flickr.