BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Argentinas national team was welcomed home Monday by thousands of fans celebrating its gutsy performance in the World Cup final. Puma Shoes Clearance Australia . The team arrived in Buenos Aires on a plane painted with images of the players and a large sign reading: "Thank you Argentina." A river of emotional fans wearing the white and sky-blue striped jerseys of the national team, among them a group of Argentine gauchos on horses, flooded the road leading from the airport to the football association complex. "You showed that through courage, passion and bringing everything you have and more to the field you can triumph," President Cristina Fernandez said after greeting all members of the team at the complex with a hug and a pat on the back. "Youve given us values that Argentines, surrounded by so much triumphalism, thought were lost. Not only does the one in first place win; you also win when you show quality and manage to unite with others to go forward," Fernandez said. "Thats why I wanted to greet you today and thank you on behalf of 40 million proud Argentines." The two-time world champion entered the title match as the clear underdog after Germanys 7-1 thrashing of host Brazil. But despite complaints about lacklustre play earlier in the tournament, the team led by captain Lionel Messi showed grit throughout the 1-0 overtime loss to Germany, creating several opportunities to score in the first 90 minutes. "Im thankful to everyone. I would have liked to bring you back the Cup and to be able to enjoy it. We tried, we gave it our all but we couldnt achieve it," said Messi, who won the trophy for the tournaments best player. "Despite that, I think we gave a great joy to the country by reaching this final and facing our rivals without giving anything away." Argentina last played in a World Cup final in 1990, when it lost to West Germany. Four years earlier, it became world champion for the second time, led by captain Diego Maradona, also in a final against the Germans. After Sundays final, thousands of saddened but proud Argentines gathered peacefully at the iconic Obelisk in downtown Buenos Aires to applaud their teams best World Cup performance in 24 years. Cars honked staccato rhythms, firecrackers were tossed into the air and fans of all ages jumped in place shouting, "Argentina! Argentina! Argentina!" "We have nothing to regret, we played first rate," said 53-year-old Horacio Laseiras, carrying his 6-year-old daughter on his shoulders. Violence broke out later Sunday night, forcing riot police to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse vandals who threw rocks, destroyed store fronts, tore down street lights and even broke into a theatre. Parents with small children fled in fear. National security secretary Sergio Berni said 120 people were arrested. The Buenos Aires emergency medical service reported on Monday that 70 people were treated for injuries, including 15 police officers. The shot at the title united Argentines otherwise exasperated by one of the worlds highest inflation rates, an encroaching debt crisis and a corruption scandal that has penetrated deep into the presidents inner circle. Fernandez, whose approval rating has plunged in recent months, kept a low profile during the tournament. She declined an invitation to attend the final, preferring instead to rest ahead of a summit Tuesday, also in Brazil, with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India and China. Puma Shoes Clearance Sale . Bowditch, the 30-year-old Australian seeking his first PGA Tour title, shot a 4-under 68 to reach 12 under at TPC San Antonio. Matt Kuchar and Andrew Loupe were tied for second. Kuchar shot 65, and Loupe had a 70. Puma Shoes Discount Sale . -- Victor Bernardez tied the game with his second goal in the 95th minute and the San Jose Earthquakes drew 3-3 with Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. http://www.cheapaustraliapuma.com/ . - Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will coach the Western Conference in the All-Star Game on Feb.SAN FRANCISCO - The Washington Nationals will try to force a decisive fifth game in their National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, as they try to stave off elimination once again in Game 4 at AT&T Park. Washington snapped San Franciscos 10-game postseason winning streak on Monday and stayed alive in this series with a 4-1 win. The Nationals took advantage of Madison Bumgarners throwing error and scored three times in the seventh, while Doug Fister (1-0) took care of business on the mound, scattering four hits over seven scoreless innings. He was in command all day with everything, Nationals manager Matt Williams said of Fister. He just continues to compete for us, and we were able to manufacture something there (in the seventh inning). Bumgarner (1-1) gave up three runs (2 earned) and six hits in seven innings. He also stuck out six and walked a batter. I cant throw the ball away right there, said Bumgarner. Obviously, hindsights 20/20. You get an out (at first) and then you figure you walk Cabrera and theyve got the pitcher or a pinch-hitter coming up. Shouldnt have done it. Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval extended his hitting streak to 14 games in the loss. The stretch now stands one shy of Marquis Grissoms NL record, set from 1995-96. The big league postseason record is 17, shared by Hank Bauer (1956-58), Derek Jeter (1998-99) and Manny Ramirez (2003-04). History remains on the Giants side as of the 46 previous teams who have gone up 2-0 in a Division Series since 1995, only five have lost the series. Of course, the Giants rallied from such a hole two years ago en route to a World Series title. I mentioned it (Sunday) that we just need one break. Its been a tough coupple games here to start. Cheap Puma Shoes Australia. And we got our break, Nationals closer Drew Storen said. Getting the call for the Nationals on Tuesday will be lefty Gio Gonzalez, who was one of the best pitchers in baseball down the stretch. After a bout with left shoulder inflammation Gonzalez returned to go 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA over his final seven starts. Overall, though, he was 10-10 with a 3.57 ERA. Gonzalez struggled in the 2012 NLDS, walking 11 batters in 10 innings and pitched to a 4.50 ERA. (Theres) definitely going to be some emotion, Gonzalez said. Theres going to be some excitement. In my career and my time playing, I definitely want to stay as much composed and relaxed as possible. Picking up from other pitchers, thats the beauty about being a pitcher on the side -- watching other peoples emotions and the way they go about it, the way they compete, and just staying low-key and professional as much as possible. Meanwhile, Ryan Vogelsong will try to pitch the Giants to their third NLCS appearance in the last five years. Vogelsong, who will be pitching for the first time in 11 days, was just 8-13 this season with a 4.00 ERA and ended the year on a sour note. The righty was 0-4 in September with a 5.53 ERA. Even at the end of the season, I would be rolling along in the game and then just kind of lose it, Vogelsong said of his September struggles. So, I mean, its there. I just need to be more focused at times and more concentrated on making a good pitch. Those will be the things that are on the forefront of my mind. Vogelsong has faced the Nats nine times (5 starts) and is 1-2 against them with a 6.16 ERA. The Nats had their way with the Giants in the regular season, taking five out of seven games. ' ' '