Passion, idolatry, superstition, madness. In an Argentinian dictionary, the meaning of the word “football supporter” is described slightly differently than with us. Hernan Losada is watching the match against the Orange tonight in his home country. “We are super superstitious. Any change could lead to the elimination.”
Confidence among the proud Argentines is completely back.
After the loss in the opening match against Saudi Arabia (number 51 in the FIFA ranking), doubt crept into the mind and heart, but victories against Mexico, Poland and Australia have reignited the fire.
“For Argentinian fans, everything is super positive or super negative,” says Hernan Losada from Argentina. “After the recent victories, everyone is very enthusiastic again.”
According to the former player and trainer of Beerschot, this has a lot to do with the Lionel Messi factor.
“He is in shape and happy. You can see that in interviews. Moreover, he has said that it is probably his last World Cup. That creates enormous expectations.”
For Argentinian fans, everything is super positive or super negative.
Hernan Losada
Singing and dancing during the Argentine summer
On the other side of the world, Hernan Losada is experiencing exactly the opposite as we do in Belgium. The experience is huge and that also has to do with the timing. In Argentina they are not used to it, a World Cup during their summer.
“It’s thirty degrees here every night. Everyone gets together with friends and family and has BBQs. Flags hang everywhere in the streets and a huge noise rises with every goal. I really can’t describe it.”
The Netherlands will be the first major test for Argentina at this World Cup. There is respect, but no fear in Buenos Aires and the surrounding area. “The Netherlands is a team with experience and a smart coach,” explains Hernan Losada.
But the real main course isn’t served until a round later. “Everyone here is looking forward to a clash with Brazil. It’s been 20 years since a team from South America became world champion again. It’s been way too long.”
“I can safely say that I hope it will be Brazil, if not Argentina.”
South American superstition
Football passion in South America is of another dimension. That also becomes clear when we ask Losada how he will follow the match against the Orange.
“Argentines are super superstitious people. I’m going to watch the exact same people with whom I watched the games against Mexico, Poland and Australia.”
“We will also be in the same places. We cannot change anything, because if something is different, it could be the reason Argentina is eliminated.”
90,000 Argentine fans celebrate Messi’s goal against Australia. pic.twitter.com/E9YetZXQKH
— Bobbin Thomas John (@BobbinJohn) December 4, 2022
40,000 football-mad fans in Qatar…including Barra Bravas
An estimated 40,000 happy Argentines will not watch the match against the Netherlands in their own country, but in the impressive Lusail stadium.
Hernan Losada’s compatriots have already crowned themselves as world champions in support in Qatar.
“I can’t explain that,” even Losada is impressed. “The distance is enormous. With an airplane you have to transfer three or four times and the costs are also very high.”
“People sell their cars or spend their savings to go to Qatar. Maybe some of them only planned to make it to the group stage, but the passion and enthusiasm keep them there.”
Certainly the big teams in Argentina have fans who are paid. Hopefully everything stays non-violent.
Hernan Losada
Being able to see Lionel Messi hold the World Cup in the air is undoubtedly an extra motivation for the football-crazy fans.
Such enthusiasm also has a dark side.
Argentine authorities have warned that some of the country’s most notorious football fans have been spotted in Qatar. The defeat against Saudi Arabia was a signal to them that the atmosphere had to be stirred up a bit more.
For the time being without significant violence, but will it remain so if Argentina loses tonight?
So-called Barra Brava are organized supporters groups. “It’s basically fans who get paid to support,” Losada explains.
“Certainly the big teams in Argentina have fans who live off that activity. Hopefully everything will remain non-violent.”
You have understood, in Argentina tonight there is more at stake than a game of football.
