Argentina’s die-hard fans bet on reaching final

Thousands of die-hard Argentina fans in Brazil are already convinced they will have a place in the World Cup final at the Maracana stadium. Duration 01:47

Published

25 days ago

Topics

Sports

People

Facundo Morales, Antonio Bordallo

Places

Iran, Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Copacabana Beach

Transcript

SCRIPT: It’s been a long journey for Argentinians here in Brazil. But the trip many die-hard fans began over a month ago has paid off: they get to see their squad in a World Cup semi-final for the first time in 24 years, thanks to Argentina’s 1-0 win over Belgium on Saturday. SOUNDBITE 1: Facundo Morales, Argentinian fan (Spanish, 9 sec): “We’ve travelled almost seven thousand kilometers (4349 miles) in this motorhome; we wouldn’t have done it if we weren’t convinced that we’d reach the final.” (IN SPANISH) “Ya llevamos hechos casi siete mil kilómetros en este motorhome, no lo hubiésemos hecho si no estuviésemos convencidos de que íbamos a llegar a la final”. And not just any final: Fans are hoping to meet historic rivals Brazil and take the trophy from the host’s hands. SOUNDBITE 2: Facundo Morales, Argentinian fan (Spanish, 9 sec): “We have faith and we want a final against Brazil. It would be the best thing to beat them in the Maracana, like the Uruguayans did (in 1950), it would be beautiful.” (IN SPANISH): “Tenemos fe y queremos una final con Brasil, sería lo más lindo meterle otro Maracanazo, como hicieron los uruguayos, sería algo hermoso”. Those who can afford it go to the stadiums. Others are happy just to follow their squad and camp out, the smell of their traditional asados –or roasted meat- trailing behind them. SOUNDBITE 3: Martin Ferrari, Argentinian fan (Spanish, 3 sec): “We came without tickets, we only came to support our team and outnumber other fans.” (IN SPANISH): “No, vinimos sin entradas, vinimos solo a apoyar al equipo y a hacer un número”. But there’s still one major hurdle on their road to Rio: A semi-final against the Netherlands, most likely their toughest and most offensive opponents so far And if they do meet Brazil in the final, fans warn they’ll have a battle on their hands for the trophy. SOUNDBITE 4: Antonio Bordallo, Brazilian Fan (Portuguese, 10 sec): “The only advantage of them staying here (in the tournament) is that when Argentina loses it will be fun to see all their sad faces, it will be really good.” “La única ventaja que estoy viendo de que ellos se queden aquí es porque cuando pierda Argentina va a ser muy divertido verlos a todos con caras tristes, va a ser muy bueno”. Argentinians of course brush off these comments, now more hopeful than ever their third World Cup title is in reach. SHOTLIST: BRASILIA, BRAZIL, 6 JULY 2014 - VAR of group of Argentineans travelling with a motorhome to their team next game in Sao Paulo - SOUNDBITE 1: Facundo Morales, Argentinean supporter - VAR of group of Argentineans travelling with a motorhome to their team next game in Sao Paulo - SOUNDBITE 2: Facundo Morales, Argentinean supporter BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL, 21 JUNE 2014 - Argentinean fans entering the stadium area for the game Argentine vs. Iran BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL, 19 JUNE 2014 - VAR of Argentineans cooking a barbecue BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL, 20 JUNE 2014 - SOUNDBITE 3: Martín Ferrari, Argentinean supporter BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL. 2 JULY 2014, SOURCE: AFPTV - VAR of Messi and the rest of the team arriving for training RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. 6 JULY 2014 SOURCE: SID / AFPTV -VAR of Netherlands training RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. 15 JUN 2014. SOURCE: AFPTV - Wide of Copacabana beach - SOUNDBITE 4 Antonio Bordallo, Brasilian supporter - VAR of Argentineans singing in Copacabana beach ///