![\"As](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131937470,imgsize-254716,width-400,height-225,resizemode-72\/popcorn-sausages-and-soft-drinks-kept-guests-fuelled-as-they-cheered-and-celebrated-through-the-evening.jpg\" "\\"Popcorn,")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLate on Monday night, Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg\u2019s residence turned into a screening hall for the FIFA match against Argentina, drawing a full house. With every chair occupied, fans lining the stairs, and the buttery aroma of popcorn filling the room, Austria supporters geared up to celebrate the country\u2019s qualification after 28 years, while Argentina fans waited to watch Lionel Messi chase history. And deliver he did. With two goals, he became the top scorer in World Cup history, leading Argentina to another victory. The win comes just days after he scored a hat-trick against Algeria in their opening match.<\/p>\n Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg (L) and Deputy Head of Mission, Austrian Embassy, Gisela Kristoferitsch (R )<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u2018The sport is bringing people together\u2019<\/span>Attendees dressed in Austrian red, Argentinian blue and white, and even the occasional yellow for Brazil came together to witness an unforgettable game. Supporters cheered every attacking move near the goal and waved their flags, while fouls from either team sparked reactions across the room. Thaisleem, an attendee, shared, \u201cThis is my first time attending a football screening in Delhi, and the energy is great. I\u2019m from Kerala, where football screenings are very popular during the World Cup. It\u2019s lovely to see supporters of both teams, so it\u2019s bringing people together.\u201d<\/p>\n The evening was a roller coaster of cheers, sighs and nervous glances (L), Kaspar Meyer (R ), Spokesperson, German Embassy, wore a T-shirt featuring football legend Diego Maradona<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My heart beats for our team, Austria: Austrian Ambassador<\/span>Speaking to us at half-time, Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg said, \u201cWe really wanted to use this beautiful residence to stream the World Cup, especially since Austria has qualified after 28 years. I must admit I\u2019m a little biased, as I have also served as ambassador to Argentina (laughs). But of course, tonight my heart beats for our team, Austria. It\u2019s a really difficult match because Argentina, and in particular Messi, is excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n (L-R) Serbian Ambassador Sini\u0161a Pavi\u0107 and Paraguayan Ambassador Fleming Raul Duarte, Bosnian Ambassador Haris Hrle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In a world that is torn by conflict, sportsmanship is very important. Seeing the response today from fans of both teams, this sport is uniting people<\/p>\n Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg A face-paint and glitter station helped supporters wear their allegiance on their sleeves \u2013 and faces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Austrian](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131937550\/austrian-ambassador-robert-zischg-and-deputy-head-of-mission-austrian-embassy-gisela-kristoferitsch.jpg\" "\\"Austrian")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131937682\/the-evening-was-a-roller-coaster-of-cheers-sighs-and-nervous-glances-l-kaspar-meyer-r-spokesperson-german-embassy-wore-a-t-shirt-featuring-football-legend-diego-maradona.jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/p>\n![\"(L-R)](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131937734\/l-r-serbian-ambassador-sinia-pavi-and-paraguayan-ambassador-fleming-raul-duarte-bosnian-ambassador-haris-hrle.jpg\" "\\"(L-R)")
<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131937746\/a-face-paint-and-glitter-station-helped-supporters-wear-their-allegiance-on-their-sleeves-and-faces.jpg\" "\\"A")
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![\"Football](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131937794\/football-fans-sported-the-colours-of-their-favourite-teams-at-the-screening.jpg\" "\\"Football")
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