World Cup: Argentina fans in Singapore celebrate ‘big moment’ as La Albiceleste reach final

SINGAPORE - Argentina are now just a win from being the 2022 World Cup champions.

For Guillermo Bazan, it will be deja vu if his national team are crowned world champions.

The Argentinian, a chemistry professor at the National University of Singapore, had joined hometown celebrations when Argentina came out on top in 1978 and 1986.

He had grieved when they fell a win short in 1990 and 2014. 

He said: “As someone from Argentina, this is such a big moment. Now we’re back in the final again and it’s not an easy feeling to describe.”

Bazan was among more than 50 people – mostly Argentinian fans – who had gathered at The Lawn at Chijmes for an outdoor screening of

La Albiceleste’s 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia

on Wednesday morning. 

A group of about 15 Argentinian nationals, decked in the team’s trademark blue-and-white jerseys, were at the forefront of celebrations.

Part of the Argentinian community in Singapore, the fans were unable to sit still as

the stellar play and three goals by Lionel Messi and Co

saw them jumping and hugging those closest to them.

Emotions ran the highest as Argentina seemed to seal the deal with a third goal, a strike by Julian Alvarez assisted by captain Messi. 

Engineer Julian Monti said: “Messi has shown in this World Cup that it doesn’t matter the age – you can still perform at the highest level.

“He’s broken every single record in football, has the most Ballon d’Or awards and has shown again and again that he’s the best. No one can do what he does.”

Ambassador for the Argentine Republic Mauricio Nine said Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister were his favourite players in the match. 

He expects Sunday’s final to be a tight and good fight. The Argentinians are set to face either France or Morocco then.

Fans are optimistic about La Albiceleste’s chances of winning the cup after 36 years.

Mr Nine said: “Of course, we support our country. We have a strong team.” That said, he also respects the “obvious strength” of their final opponents.