Several thousand fans dressed in red and white and waving flags poured onto the streets of Porto Alegre on Sunday to celebrate Internacional's Club World Cup title.
Internacional beat FC Barcelona 1-0 in Japan with a late goal by substitute midfielder Adriano.
After the final whistle, fans loudly cheered and chanted throughout the city to commemorate the Brazilian club's first world title in its 97-year history.
PHOTO: AFP
Supporters set off firecrackers and drivers honked horns after the match ended. Even sound trucks were used in the celebrations.
Some fans woke up early to watch the match on a big-screen TV in a city park, while others chose to watch it near the team's Beira-Rio stadium.
Police said nearly 25,000 fans gathered at some of the city's main avenues.
Internacional fans had extra reason to celebrate because Ronaldinho -- Barcelona's top player -- used to play for fierce local rival Gremio, also based in Porto Alegre. One fan dressed a life-sized cardboard image of Ronaldinho with Inter's jersey.
Gremio fans have traditionally had an edge in bragging rights because the club won the world title in 1983.
"Inter is at the top of the world now. It will shine for eternity," 72-year-old fan Melo Fernandes told the Terra Web site.
Internacional, a three-time national champion and a one-time Brazilian Cup winner, made it to the tournament by beating defending world champion Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores.
Local media also praised the Brazilian club's triumph.
"Inter ignores Barcelona's favoritism and wins 1-0 to clinch world title," the UOL Web site said.
"The world is red," local sports news agency Agencia Placar wrote.
Internacional are expected to arrive in Brazil today, where a big welcome-party was expected for the players.
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
NO DOUBT: Spurs star Wembanyama was unanimously selected as NBA Rookie of the Year, winning all 99 votes to become the first Frenchman to capture the honor The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night produced a dominant defensive display to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 106-80 road victory. The third-seeded Timberwolves harassed Denver relentlessly to claim a second straight win over the NBA champions as the series heads back to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards scored 27 points apiece, but the star of the show was Minnesota’s suffocating defensive effort, which knocked Denver out of their stride almost from the tip-off. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks, in sharp contrast to
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
One of Malaysia’s top soccer clubs has pulled out of today’s season-opening Charity Shield after a spate of assaults, including an acid attack, on players in the country. It leaves the kickoff of Malaysia’s season this weekend under a cloud following the unprecedented acts of violence against players, which have left the country shocked and angry. Authorities said they have imposed tighter security, but Selangor said that they would not play in the showpiece curtain-raiser against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats.” Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim is in intensive care