World Cup 2010: Argentina squad received as heroes in Buenos Aires despite elimination by Germany

More than 15,000 people greet Maradona and his players at Ezeiza Airport

5 Jul 2010 11:09:00

By Daniel Edwards

More On :  Argentina
Argentina Team(Mohammad Jamali)

The Argentina squad were given a heroes' welcome on returning to Buenos Aires on Sunday, despite leaving South Africa much earlier than many people expected.

There was a certain amount of nervousness surrounding the return of Diego Maradona's squad to Ezeiza airport after they had been dumped out of the World Cup with an emphatic 4-0 reverse at the hands of Germany. Indeed, it was even reported while 'la seleccion' were in the air that a coach would meet them on the runway to take them away, avoiding any unsavoury incidents with disappointed fans.


But any fears of a rough reception were completely unfounded, as grateful Albiceleste fans turned out in their thousands to greet the players who electrified the world in the early rounds with their attacking mentality, not to mention the coach who captivated everyone with his eccentric pitchside behaviour and unforgettable press conferences.

Ole reported that more than 15,000 fans turned up at Ezeiza airport to celebrate the return of their heroes - to the bemusement of the players themselves, who were expecting a rough reception back in their home country.

The main motorway into Buenos Aires was completely cut off by the crowds, who also gathered at the nearby team training grounds. "Maradona please don't leave" was the most common chant heard by local reporters among the supporters, while banners celebrating El Pelusa's birthplace of Villa Fiorito were also spotted amongst the sea of flags and congratulatory messages.

Despite the welcome, the future of Maradona is still very much in the balance. The controversial talisman had said repeatedly before the tournament that anything less than a World Cup victory would be a failure; and after the German hammer blow he had hinted at an exit by stating his hope that "whoever comes next continues my commitment to attacking play".

Today's emphatic endorsement both of the team that travelled and represented the nation in South Africa, and of Maradona's personal managerial style, could however be enough to persuade the famously emotional legend to stay in the Argentine hotseat.

Related video: Individual highlights of Diego Maradona, Argentina v Germany.

 

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