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THE projector screens were up at Ric's Kountry Kitchen in Juffair where a group of Spaniards had gathered to watch the final World Cup match between Spain and the Netherlands, writes Asma Salman.
Adrenaline ran high during the night with raucous Spanish cussing as Spain missed several opportunities to score but fans held strong their belief, or Paul the Octopus's prediction, that Spain would win the match.
Artoro Madrid, a member of the Spanish Navy, said 20 minutes into the game: "It is a hard match but eventually victory will be ours."
A confident Spanish pilot with a commercial airline, who did not want to be named, dropped in to meet his mates at Ric's before going to the airport and said: "I will announce before taking off, Espana Campeones, which means Spain champions because Spain will win."
As the match progressed the atmosphere at the quaint 'mama papa' Italian eatery became charged with frustration and uncertainty. Ric's Kountry Kitchen was jam-packed with Spanish fans on the night of the semi-final match played between Spain and Germany and the jubilation on winning the semi-final according to one fan was 'phenomenal'.
Carlos Riera, 43, telecoms advisory consultant and a die-hard football fan, said: "It's an extremely tactical and intense match. My favourite players in the competition have been Andres Iniesta for his wonderful passing skills and David Villa for his great goals.
"Many of the Spanish people on the island have gone back home for the summer break and planned to watch the finals with friends and family there. We are flying back home tonight after the match and will celebrate Spain's victory at home!"
The Spanish fans agreed throughout the game that it would be an historical moment if Spain were to be victorious as the European nation had never reached the final, let alone won the trophy, before.
History was indeed made after 116 minutes of play when Spain's Iniesta scored the decisive goal.
The joyous cheering at Spain's triumph was deafening as children waved Spanish flags and fans hugged each other. Amid much shouting and cheering, Carlos said: "I will speak to the captain of our Emirates flight and ask him to make an announcement that there is a Spanish family on board and that we are the world champions!"
Francisco Guerrero Mayol, Major of the Spanish Marine Corps stationed at the US Naval Forces Central Command, Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, added: "I am going to the Latin Quarter to celebrate with friends. This is a great moment for my country."
