World Cup 2014 final: Berliners brave rain as 250,000 watch final on Fan Mile
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Fan Mile near Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate was full hours before the World Cup final kicked off in Brazil between Germany and Argentina.
A heavy rain shower sent fans scampering for cover early but a crowd re-emerged in greater numbers ready to watch the game in front of giant TV screens. Police closed a number of entrances to the Fanmeile at least four hours before kick-off due to the sheer numbers of fans attending. With three hours to go, police said it was full.
It was raining persistently by this time and thunder was rumbling ominously overhead.
A spokeswoman told German news agency DPA that more than 250,000 people had crowded onto the 1.2 kilometre stretch of road through the Tiergarten area of Berlin. Crowds began gathering with around six hours to go.
Other public viewing venues were also filling up, despite the likelihood of heavy rain. Showers and summer storms were expected to move in from the south-west.
Not everyone was sup-porting Germany. A Berlin tax-driver with an Argentina flag flying from his window riled fans on Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg by beeping at them as he passed.
“I’ve been cursed at and spat upon,” Cihan Goz told The Associated Press, laughing as he relayed the story. He said he was a fan of Maradona, revered among Argentines as the world’s best ever player. Coz was still picking up passengers despite the flag.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments