For many, maybe most Argentines, this World Cup was a supernatural affair.

For us, soccer is a religion.

And what is religion without its rituals?

Yes, the World Cup was won by a group of talented young players but behind them, their

religions.

Massive amounts of fan rituals, prayers and sorcery, brujerías, wanichos, limpiezas, galanas.

Did it work?

Like my grandmother used to say, I have no proof but I also have no doubt.

Pictures of soccer legend Diego Maralena surrounded by candles and offerings, food, alcohol,

even cigarettes for his spirit to enjoy.

Herbs were burnt.

Requests for our folk saints flooded in.

El gauchito heal, an Argentine cowboy turned popular saint.

La difunda gorrea, an Argentine woman who died while attempting to cross a desert.

Their shrines were filled with requests.

Bring us a victory.

Bring us the cop.

Help guide our boys feet.

The phrase anulomufa became a constant.

In the circus slang, it means something like, I hax your hax.

Or, I cancel your curse.

I also became entangled in the frantic magic.

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