Some 7 million soccer fans cheered for Korea's team in the streets all over the country, sending heartwarming encouragement and words of comfort Tuesday. While defeat by the German hindered the much-hoped journey to Yokohama, the skies above Gwanghwamun were filled with fireworks after the Korean dream made a final stop. The nation appreciated good fight of Korea’s eleven and enjoyed the last night of the dream.

Gwanghwamun and City Hall Plaza, which emerged as the epicenter of the country's cheering in the streets, held nearly one million soccer fans each, the entire downtown area filled with shouts and applause. Even after the game ended in Germany’s victory, supporters sent congratulations for the heroes who made historical advance to the semifinal rounds.

27-year-old Seong Yeon-sil, who arrived at Gwanghwamun with some 30 friends at 6 pm in the morning, recalled the painful defeat at the time of 1994 World Cup, and praised Korean players’ fine performance. Lee Ji-yeon showed her thanks to the squad for showing such a wonderful game.

Super-sized red banners on buildings in Gwanghwamun and City Hall area added to the festive mood, and despite the defeat of the home team, city of Seoul was filled with shouts of fans and honking of cars all night long.

Foreigners joined the festivity of street cheering. Some 200 members of Seoul-Japan Club, a gathering of resident Japanese working in Korea, supported Korea's team at Lotte Hotel, sporting red tee shirts. Schukermans Jan, a Dutch veteran who fought in Korean War, said he is happy that Dutchman Hiddink is so loved in Korea, and recognized Korea's fine performance in the World Cup.

(Baek Seung-jae, whitesj@chosun.com )