Mizoram cheers for Azzurris

Aizawl, July 11 (UNI) The streets of Aizwal looked deserted last morning as majority of its residents retired to beds only a few hours back after witnessing their favourite team Italy lifting the World Cup for the fourth time.

Thunderous applause, sounds of drums and crackers filled the Aizwal air when the Italian team defeated the French in a penalty shoot-out to become the World Cup 2006 champion.

Among the girls the Azzurris were the most favourite team since the early 90's when Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini used to play.

The Aizwal civil hospital's emergency was busy on Sunday night attending to football fans, who were injured following World Cup frenzy.

While some injuries were caused by vehicular accidents, some resulted because of fights between fans.

Police patrolling was intensified the whole night to prevent untoward incidents.

For many young fans, watching the World Cup final at friends' houses or big screens was a once-in-a-blue-moon party.

Many schools declared holiday today to give their students and teachers some time to catch up with sleep.

UNI SNR TJP AB PM RK1850