Vamos España? Why this World Cup victory for Spain feels so different from the others | María Ramírez

The success belongs to many more people around the world from Gaza to Latin America – even if the collegiate spirit of the team has yet to be mirrored in our public lifeJust past midnight, the cheers erupted from blocks of lit flats in my neighbourhood in central Madrid. Hours later, people of all generations were still out in the streets in the middle of another tropical night, and not only because it was warm, with temperatures hovering close to 30C. In the big pedestrianised square Plaza de Olavide, fans had gathered around screens, some sitting on the ground while children and dogs ran around. A girl played on the swings, her Spanish-flag cape fluttering as she swung back and forth.Argentinian Lionel Messi jerseys were visible throughout the crowd. Many fans gathered also at a nearby Argentinian bar. Not too surprising when you consider there are more than 400,000 Argentinians living in Spain. Messi, whose life and career are embedded with Barcelona, is a football hero in Spain too.María Ramírez is a journalist and deputy managing editor of elDiario.es, a news outlet in SpainDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...