Egypt savors revenge as Spain triumphs over Argentina in World Cup final

In the bustling alleys of Cairo's Zamalek neighborhood, a shared sense of triumph reverberated as Egyptians and Spanish fans alike celebrated Spain's 1-0 World Cup final victory over Argentina. The win provided a cathartic release for Egyptian supporters, who had been eliminated by Argentina earlier in the tournament. The atmosphere was electric, with plastic chairs pulled up to screens in the streets, the air thick with the aroma of tea and the occasional puff of narguile, all punctuated by cheers of 'La Roja' and the city's characteristic car horns.

This collective embrace of Spain's success served as a unifying moment for Egyptians, still smarting from their own exit. Despite a few dissenting Messi jerseys, the Spanish team and flag were prominently displayed. The victory was viewed not only as a sporting revenge for their earlier defeat but also as a moral statement, amplified by Spain's players, like Lamine Yamal, and coach Hossam Hassan's vocal support for the Palestinian cause. This sentiment was further heightened by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public backing of Argentina just before the final.

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With many nerves, because Spain had a lot of opportunities and wasn't scoring. These are the kinds of games where they score a goal on any play and you lose everything. It was very tense, but surrounded by friends, it's a different experience.

Similar scenes of jubilation unfolded in Beirut, Lebanon, where a bar named El Camión became a hub for Spaniards, Lebanese football fans, and Latin Americans. The final whistle sparked a collective embrace, a shared explosion of joy amidst the ongoing conflict in the south of the country. Adrián, a Spaniard residing in Beirut, described the nail-biting tension, "We suffered a lot, but surrounded by friends, it's a different experience." Bianca, an Argentine living in the Lebanese capital, expressed her disappointment, acknowledging Spain's superior play in the latter stages of the match.

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Very bad. Argentina played very well. I don't know what to say. Towards the end of the second half, Spain deserved to have more possession and play better.