0’ The Casa Galicia, located in Astoria Queens, serves as a community center for 2,000 Spaniards and Spanish-Americans, who gather here for social events  - especially soccer games.

21’ The club contains a private bar and restaurant that serves Galician beer and Spanish tapas. Twenty-one minutes into game and no score on either side, the atmosphere is tense.

23’ The last time Spain made it as far as the semifinals was in 1950, in Brazil.

32’ “This is like being in Spain, without being in Spain. This is closest you get,” says Manuel Rodriguez.

34’ While many Casa Galicia members were born in Spain, many are 2^nd or 3^rd generation descendents of Spanish immigrants. “A lot these young people were born here, but you get the feeling they are really Spanish,” says Rodriguez.

’39 Still no score.

Half-time “So far it’s been wonderful,” says long-time Casa Galicia member Juan Lino. “I’m actually pleasantly surprised how well Spain is playing.”

Half-time Some people took off from work to come watch the game.

Half-time “I think we might beat Germany,” says Maureen Campos. “I think they have youth and energy, but we have a great passing game.” Maureen’s father was born in Barcelona. They come to watch games at the club every weekend.

50’ The game resumes.

73’ Spain scores! Goal from defender Carles Puyol.

73’ “It’s the experience of a lifetime to be here with all these people. It’s electrifying,” says Juan Lino, who immigrated from Galicia as a young boy.

73’ “I’m 58 years old, so I think this is the last time I’ll see Spain get this far in my lifetime,” says Manuel Rodriguez.

75’ Chris Vasquez, second-generation Spaniard makes a call to tell the news of the goal.

79’ “What a game!” says Chris Vasquez, passing a plate of shrimp as Germany counter-attacks in search of an equalizer.

85’ With less than ten minutes to spare and Spain in the lead, the room is quiet as onlookers pray Germany doesn’t get a goal to tie the match.

88’ As the clock ticks down, the mood becomes more and more celebratory.

90’ + 2’ It’s almost over, and Manuel Rodriguez makes a toast.

End SPAIN WINS! For the first time in history, they will appear in the World Cup final, facing off against the Netherlands.

End Outside, a young Spanish-American plays a traditional Galician bagpipe to the tune of  the soccer chant “Ole, Ole, Ole.”

End Cars pass one after another honking horns and flying Spanish flags. The younger generation heads off down Steinway to the Astoria beer garden to celebrate.