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.
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