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Argentina: Peaceful Soccer Gangsters

Kateri Jochum interviewed Pablo AlabarcesApril 11, 2006
https://p.dw.com/p/8FeF
Pablo Alabarces, sociologist and Argentinean fan researcher, Universidad de Buenos AiresImage: DW

DW-WORLD.DE: Which Argentinean fans can Germany expect?

Pablo Alabarces: I think two types of fans will come. The first group are the richest, those who can afford the trip. We call the second group the Barras Bravas. They are the organized soccer gangs. They will come, sponsored by the soccer organizations -- unofficially, of course. I think that quite a few of them will be coming to the World Cup. But I don't think that they will be violent. After all, they will be in Germany representing Argentina's honor.

How many Argentinean fans will there be?

It is hard to tell. It is very expensive for Argentineans to come to Europe. The flight alone costs over 1,000 euros ($1,210) -- that is almost my monthly salary. This is a trip that only very few can afford.

How far do you think Argentina will get in the tournament?

I really don't know. Far, I hope.