Like Paul the Octopus, we had an inkling that Spain would win the 2010 World Cup and starting planning a trip in the summer of 2009.
Madrid got all dressed up for the occasion
And so did we!
Even the goddess Cibeles is ready for the match
Making our way to the fan park
We're on TV!
A look back at the fan park. The screen in the distance represents about one-third of the total length.
They're not fans of the Netherlands
After three long, hot hours, the players make their way out
The match goes into extra time and people get a bit anxious, until...
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
CAMPEONES DEL MUNDO!
Lifting the trophy (I know the video's jerky, but everyone was jumping around!)
Leaving the fan park
Gran Via, the main boulevard
Puerta del Sol, the center of Madrid
People passed through all night long
Paul the Octopus
The next day, we waited patiently for the team to parade through the city
Most of the cars passing by were decorated with Spanish flags and colors
Window watching
The crowd grows and fills Grand Via
People in the buildings cooled off the crowd with water
Here they come!
Get your cameras ready
Campeones del mundo!
Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta (the goal scorer), and Pedro, with Pepe drumming on the right
They literally rode into the sunset
We moved further down the parade route in the hopes of catching the team again
Take two! I was too excited to hold the camera steady
We then made our way down toward the stage for the victory ceremony
Well look who it is, again!
The stage (we weren't exactly close!)
The bus arrives (left), and the team takes the stage to the dulcet tones of the immortal "Final Countdown"
This is a bit corny to see now, but it was fitting at the time
Many of the players made speeches, or at least tried to before the sangria took over Pepe Reina and he MCed the rest of it
Puyol and Pique play a joke on Cesc by surprising him with a Barcelona jersey
Fireworks to cap the evening
A dancing Pulpo Paul leads the team. Waka waka!
A night to remember draws to a close.
