BUENOS AIRES, June 30 - Argentines were stunned,
some with tears in their eyes, in packed cafes and bars across
Buenos Aires on Friday after Argentina lost 4-2 to Germany in a
penalty shootout in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Silence fell across the normally bustling Argentine capital
after the match, bringing a painful end to weeks of World Cup
fever that had gripped the country.
"This is bitter because there is no worse way to lose than
after having had the chance to win," said Claudio Pan, 43, who
works delivering computers.
Argentina took a 1-0 lead early in the second half, before
Germany equalised in the 80th minute and sent the match into
extra time and eventually a shootout.
Argentina's march through the tournament had brought renewed
confidence to Argentines, who were devastated by the team's
first round elimination four years ago as the country wallowed
in its worst economic crisis in history.
Several hundred flag-waving fans still gathered at a
downtown monument -- a towering white stone spire known as the
Obelisk -- in a sombre show of appreciation for the team's
performance.
One woman could be seen kicking a World Cup poster in
frustration over the result.
But others said they were proud of the national team.
"We're disillusioned, but Argentina played well," said Ana
Maria del Campo, a 46-year-old accountant.
(Reporting by Hilary Burke, Writing by Kevin Gray)