Fans thrill to Cup madness

FOOTBALL, THEN SURF: Kerry Hagan and Jason Shepherd were backing opposing teams at the in the Fifa World Cup Final yesterday. The pair watched it at Embassy 3 theatre in Wanganui before heading to the beach for a surf. Photo/Bevan Conley

From Victoria Ave to Rio, Wanganui football fans had their eyes on the big screen yesterday morning.

The working day started late yesterday for football fans as they stayed home or found a screen to watch the Fifa World Cup Final.

Just under 100 watched the match at Embassy 3 Theatre to see Germany lift the cup with a 1-0 win over Argentina. Jason Shepherd and Kerry Hagan wore wetsuits with surfboards stowed behind the theatre counter ready for a post-match surf.

PACKED IN: About 100 people watched the World Cup Final on the big screen at Embassy 3 Theatre, raising money for junior football. 140714WCBRCFOOT01

"The wives allowed us out in the morning, so we may as well take the opportunity," said Mr Hagan, who was backing Germany.

Mr Shepherd, who had been to Argentina, was backing the South Americans.

"It was good fun and a good atmosphere. The Germans deserved it, I think," Mr Shepherd said. He said the theatre crowd seemed mainly behind Germany. "It was like little Germany in there, I tell you."

The Germans' late goal brought the crowd to life he said.

"Everyone was jumping up and down, and standing up and cheering. It was good to have that localness and everyone supporting it."

Embassy 3 owner Gary Vinnell said the turnout was good and the funds raised from screening the final and two semifinals would go to the Wanganui Football Charitable Trust.

Meanwhile, Wanganui man Dan Benson watched the final at the Copacabana fanzone in Rio with about 200,000 others and said it was "absolute madness".

"Got caught in a Brazil vs Argentina all-in brawl [but] got away safely though," he said.

Mr Benson has been in Brazil for the tournament, and saw nine games live and four at the fanzone in Rio. "Couldn't have asked for more, apart from a Brazil victory," he said. "No trouble danger-wise and would highly recommend Rio to anyone who was interested in coming here. Very friendly people and great set-up, minus all the crazy."