France, winner of the 2018 World Cup, seen from Grenoble
Not being a fan of spectator sports in general, and of soccer in particular (can I admit that the only World Cup game I watched was the final?), it’s essentially the intensity of the French fans which drew me out, and their incredible expressions of joy after the victory… for once, we French “let rip”… 😊
[Version française de cet article ici]
The Grenoble fan zone is ideally located, next to a park (with a backdrop typical of the city where “each street ends in a mountain”), and the weather is particularly suitable for partying.
The crowd is there, well prepared to wholeheartedly support our national team.
After the start of the game, the focus is intense ...
... and the first French goal comes as a major reassurance ...
... but as the Croatian domination continues, concern grows among the spectators, and some almost seem ready to pray for support.
The second Croatian goal generates consternation.
The final victory, uncertain until the last minute in spite of a comfortable lead in the score, is a huge relief, commensurate to the stakes at play.
Joy explodes, often quite litterally...
... and selfies immortalize this moment.
Grenoble streets, squares and fountains fill up of cheering fans ...
... most of which seem too young to be able to remember the first French victory in the World Cup, in 1998.
It’s highly unusual for us French to express such a collective happiness ...
... and in times like this, “Fraternity” belongs even more naturally in France’s motto (“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”).
All feelings are exacerbated, and freely expressed...
... and throughout town groups of buddies celebrate victory.
Many fans went through a lot of efforts to express their patriotic support.
The craze touches a broad cross-section of the population ...
... and expresses itself in varied forms ...
... some of which don’t have much to do with soccer.
Where did this guy find a live rooster to show off in the center of Grenoble ??
Notre Dame square and its fountain offer an ideal setting for the expression of victory exuberance.
Some don’t hesitate to demonstrate their climbing skills to reach the statues, whose lyrical stance is a good fit for the circumstances ...
... but the vast majority prefers simpler (yet louder) forms of demonstration.
Who knows… maybe we French won’t have to wait another 20 years to vibrate together like this again?
Thank you “les Bleus”, Thank you Grenoble!
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