Cape Town - Jubilant Spanish fans celebrated at the FIFA Fan Fest in Cape Town last night as their team beat Portugal 1-nil, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Despite the cold and rain earlier in the day, about a thousand or more fans gathered at the Fan Fest at the Grand Parade, under the Cape Town City Hall - site of former President Nelson Mandela's historic first speech in 1990 after his release from prison.
Spanish supporter Adabison Chiodzera from Harare, Zimbabwe, who braved the cold wearing the Iberian team's playing kit, had many heads turning.
But even the biting cold and rain could not dampen Chiodzera's spirits, who believes Spain will raise the World Cup this year.
"It's not too cold because I'm supporting my team," said Chiodzera, who added that the World Cup was "fantastic".
"Mostly I'm very happy because they brought it to Africa for the first time and I'm proud," he said.
A very excited Spanish supporter, Johannes Claasen, who lives in the city, said the match was very interesting. Claasen has been to the Fan Fest a number of times already to see televised matches there. "What I like about this Fan Fest is the big screen and the people around here, Ayoba!"
Portuguese supporter Ashley Evertson, also from the city, was unhappy about his team's performance, but believed his team had given their all.
"Ronaldo tried his best, you could see he tried, but what can I say," said Evertson, who despite this was still loving it at the Fan Fest.
"It's quite interactive, where there are different fans, you'd expect such an experience at the stadium and everyone's together," said Evertson.
Valencia striker Villa scored in the 63rd minute after being set up superbly by Andres Iniesta and Man-of-the-Match Xavi, who delivered the decisive back-heel pass to put Villa clear on goal.
Spain now face Paraguay in a quarter-final on Saturday at 20:30 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
