BUENOS AIRES, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Argentinean fans gathered in large crowds in two of Buenos Aires' main squares on Saturday to watch their football team make its World Cup debut against Iceland.
However, after a 1-1 draw, the fans' happiness turned to disappointment although they remained optimistic that Argentina could beat their other Group D opponents, Croatia and Nigeria.
Eduardo Banegas, one of around 8,000 people watching the game in San Martin Square, said that despite the draw he was very positive about the team led by Jorge Sampaoli.
"The two teams played very well, the Icelanders were very brave. Argentina lost goal (chances), they'll be there next time," he added.
He commented that the Argentinean players "did everything they could" and that against Croatia "we will be fine."
For his part, Miguel Angel Gutierrez considered that Argentina "played a good game ... but had no luck because Iceland went back and did not leave their area."
"There is not only hope for the next game, I think we will reach the final and I hope it's against Germany so we can get our revenge," he continued.
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, through an extra-time goal by Mario Gotze.
Gutierrez was also sanguine about the penalty miss by Lionel Messi, saying that "there is a lot of hope" placed on him. "Stars have failed such as (Germany's Franz) Beckenbauer, (France's) Michel Platini and even (Diego) Maradona," he explained.
Among the women in the audience, Sofia Fernandez said it was "very emotional to see the World Cup," although she admitted "the game could have been better."
She said the coach should have "brought in (striker Cristian) Pavon far earlier, it would have been better."
Fernandez lamented Messi "having missed" the penalty but said "there is always hope," while talking outside Buenos Aires' Monumental Tower and the monument to the fallen during the Falklands War.
Minutes after the game began, the mayor of Buenos Aires, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, visited the area and predicted an Argentinean win with Sergio Aguero playing a starring role.
The assembled masses erupted as one when Aguero scored in the first half, before succumbing to disappointment when Alfred Finnbogason equalized for Iceland and Messi missed his penalty.
Despite this letdown, the crowds will surely return when the team plays against Croatia on June 21 and Nigeria on June 26.
