Malcolm Hayes (30), of Canterbury, in Ratbags in Dunedin yesterday, celebrates Argentina beating the Netherlands in the football World Cup semifinal.
Mr Hayes, the only fan at the Octagon bar wearing the Argentine blue and white, stood staunchly for 120 goalless minutes in the middle of 90 people, mostly Dutch supporters swaddled in electric orange.
At the start of the penalty shoot-out, Mr Hayes' hands were clasped behind his neck but his grip released when the goalkeeper saved the first Dutch attempt.
When the goalkeeper denied another Dutch shot, his hands became outstretched above his head and he hollered ''Argentina'' to the dejected Netherlands supporters.
''I've got high blood pressure,'' Mr Hayes said, ''and no fingernails left.''
