The China Mail - 'Exhausted' Spain's happy World Cup hangover

Crews worked cleared debris from along the city's main avenues, before hundreds of thousands of fans took to the streets again for the national team's victory parade following Sunday's triumph over holders Argentina in the World Cup final.

For many Spaniards, the extra-time win came at the cost of a good night's sleep. The celebrations, however, were also marked by tragedy.

A teenager died in the western city of Ciudad Rodrigo after a fountain crowded with revellers collapsed under the weight of people who had climbed onto it during the festivities, authorities said.

"I'm honestly exhausted," 32-year-old finance worker Bruno Gonzalez del Yerro told AFP.

"With extra time, then celebrating afterwards at Colon, it was already 3:00 am. You sleep four hours at most, and now it's straight to work," he added, referring to the fan zone set up at Colon square in central Madrid.

Gonzalez del Yerro said coffee -- and the adrenaline of Spain's victory -- would get him through the day.

He was already looking forward to the end of his morning meeting so he and other football-loving colleagues could relive the match over another cup of coffee.

Catalina Sanchez, a 64-year-old secretary who celebrated with her daughters until 4:00 am, hesitated to remove her sunglasses as she headed to work.

"I've got huge dark circles under my eyes," she told AFP, laughing.

- No regrets -

For Paco Penades, a 43-year-old civil servant, it was difficult to focus on work after watching Spain lift the World Cup for the second time.

"Winning a World Cup final and then having to work the next day -- that's a bit tough, isn't it?" he said, suggesting future finals should be played on Saturdays.

Others had no intention of ending the celebrations.

Outside a metro station, 18-year-old high school students Tomas Hernanz and Martin Pena still had hoarse voices after hours of chanting.

Hernanz wore a Spanish flag draped across his shoulders as the friends made plans to spend the day in Madrid waiting for the team's return.

"This is something you only experience every four years. Very few national teams get the chance to win this trophy," Hernanz said.

"We want to live this now, and we're not going to regret it."

Spain's players were to parade through central Madrid before ending the celebrations at Cibeles square, outside City Hall, where Spanish national teams and Real Madrid traditionally celebrate major titles.

A stage had been erected for players and coach Luis de la Fuente to greet supporters.

- 'Worth it' -

"As soon as I can, I'm going to welcome our champions," said Jose Marquez, a 37-year-old soldier whose workplace is near the parade route.

"I went to bed at 2:00 am, I did not sleep much, but it was worth it," he said.

Across the capital, reminders of the night of celebrations were everywhere.

Some supporters hurried to work still wearing Spain jerseys, while others had red and yellow face paint streaked across their cheeks.

Young fans slumped on sidewalks, softly singing victory chants as the city slowly came back to life.

Spain's triumph, its second men's World Cup title and first in 16 years, sparked jubilant celebrations across the country on Sunday night.

Car horns, fireworks, vuvuzelas and cheers echoed through cities and towns long after the final whistle.

C.Fong--ThChM