Sad Football Fans
32 countries. Only one winner. That leaves quite a few disappointed fans.
Fans of Brazil’s soccer team react after the South Africa 2010 World Cup quarter final soccer match between Brazil and the Netherlands at the Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 2, 2010. The Netherlands beat Brazil by 2-1. Banner at right says: “Until 2014 without the Jabulani”, in reference to the official 2010 World Cup soccer ball. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
A fan of Brazil’s soccer team shouts as he holds a banner that reads “It’s Jabulani’s Fault”, in reference to the official 2010 World Cup soccer ball, after the South Africa 2010 World Cup quarter final soccer match between Brazil and Netherlands at the Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 2, 2010. Netherlands beat Brazil 2-1. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Back in Tokyo, a hush fell over the crowd of fans at Nakata Café for the first time after Oscar Cardozo shoots the South American team’s winning goal.
“It’s really sad, but Japanese people don’t tend to act out,” said Ryosuke Kato, Nakata Café’s public relations officer. “They simply say thank you for doing your best.”
Missed Shot Ends Japan’s Run | Wall Street JournalSupporters in Tokyo screamed in despair when Japan’s Yuichi Komano hit the crossbar with his penalty kick after extra time failed to produce a result in Pretoria.
Asia’s final hope of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals was dashed as Paraguay’s Oscar Cardozo scored the decisive spot-kick.
Some female fans wept as others crouched in both disappointment and fatigue at a Tokyo cafe run by former star striker Hidetoshi Nakata.
“I cannot take this,” Akira Hayashi said at the cafe, where groans of dismay echoed as television footage showed the Paraguay team celebrate.
Japanese Praise Blue Samurai
Japan’s Yuichi Komano reacts after missing a shot against Paraguay during a penalty shootout in their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.
Soccer fans Sarah Hafley (left) and Kate McGurn react to the U.S. loss while watching it on TV at Yankee Doodles restaurant in Santa Monica, Calif.
That was a severe blow for Cameron who earlier had told journalists he was “desperate for us to win.” England has not beaten Germany since it won the 1966 final.
Thomas Jones, a teacher from Preston, Lancashire, left after 80 minutes.
The 28-year-old said: “They think they are world-class players but their performances don’t justify their massive salaries.
“I am embarrassed to be English today.”
Fans despondent after England World Cup defeat
