Argentina sees clashes after defeat.
Thousands of fans went to the Obelisk in downtown Buenos Aires intending to wait there for the team's arrival; but a group of protesters began throwing stones and the police had to use water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd; Argentine President Cristina Kirchner will receive the team this Monday at the Casa Rosada (presidential palace).
Monica Yanakiew – Correspondent for Agência Brasil/EBC - It wasn't the expected ending, but Argentinians celebrated the World Cup final this Sunday (13) and the conquest of the second place medal, after losing to Germany. Thousands of fans went to the Obelisk, in the center of Buenos Aires, intending to stay there until Monday (14) morning to wait for the arrival of the national team. But a group of protesters started throwing stones and the police had to use water cannons and tear gas bombs to disperse the crowd.
Before the disturbances began, the President of Argentina, Cristina Kirchner, called the technical director of the national team, Alejandro Sabella, to congratulate him and say that “all Argentinians are proud” of the players. She will receive them this Monday (14), at the Casa Rosada (presidential palace), before traveling to Rio Gallegos, in the far south of the country, to celebrate the first birthday of her first grandson.
Cristina Kirchner declined the invitation to attend the final at Maracanã, because she was recovering from laryngitis and had a busy schedule of work and personal commitments. She received the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on Saturday (12) and wanted to be in Argentina for her grandson's birthday.
Many Argentinians, who watched the game in the public squares of Buenos Aires, say they will return to the streets on Monday (14) to welcome and support the team. “I dreamed of the cup, but I am proud of the runner-up title because I know the team gave its best and fought until the end,” said Gonzalo Pena. “I think second place deserves to be celebrated.”