Local fans fly the football flag (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Local fans fly the football flag

11:57am Wednesday 14th June 2006 in Local By Sara Assarsson

THE high street was hushed but the pubs roared with jubilant celebrations as the final whistle of England's opening game seemed to echo all the way from Frankfurt to football-loving Basingstoke.

Hundreds of fans had packed into the watering holes in the town centre to watch David Beckham lead his troop to a head start in England's opening World Cup match against Paraguay.

Three minutes into the long-awaited game, Paraguay defender Carlos Gamarra nodded in an own goal that gave England a 1-0 victory.

The early goal sparked loud cheers as fans got on their feet and clapped their hands.

A lacklustre performance did not dampen the spirit of the local supporters who had turned up in droves to watch the match on big screens.

"I think we are going to go all the way," said Phil Barton, one of the punters in the Rhu Bar, in London Street, at half-time.

It’s the best chance we’ve ever had, but anything can happen in football

Tony McCartney

"We have the best team that's left these shores."

His friend, Clint McArthur, agreed, adding: "It's great for the community to get together and enjoy the football."

In Laarsens, in Wote Street, fans gathered in the shaded back garden, where a giant screen had been installed, and tarpaulins draped across the roof bars offered a welcome relief from the blazing sun.

As the match came to an end - and England bagged three points - fans cheered and waved their St George's flags.

Bartender Tony McCartney, who had taken the afternoon off to watch the football with the punters, said: "It's a good atmosphere.

"The longer England stay in the tournament, the busier it will get.

"It's the best chance we've ever had, but anything can happen in football."

Beautician Patricia Dennis did her bit for the World Cup as she offered shoppers in Chineham a chance to have their nails painted with the cross of St George.

"I've been quite busy," she said. "It's been mostly children, but some of the mums have also had their nails painted. We are all getting into the spirit."

Basingstoke's Festival Place shopping centre, which is usually crowded with Saturday shoppers, went quiet as the game kicked off at 2pm, and many shops and cafs were virtually empty.

Local celebrations carried on all evening, with no reported trouble in the town.

Police are stepping up patrols during the World Cup, and a spokesman praised the local fans for their orderly behaviour.