REPORTAGE Nearly 2,000 supporters of the Blues vibrated in Saint-Nazaire, in one of the few fan-zones in France. The scenario of the match caused an unexpected collective emotion ensemblenbsp-a-saint-nazaire-la-fan-zone-est-sous-le-choc-dbc8cbc.jpg” alt=”Finale France-Argentina : “ A crazy thing lived together… » In Saint-Nazaire, the fan-zone is in shock” />
Supporters dejected after the shot on goal giving victory to Argentina, on December 18, in the fan-zone of Saint-Nazaire. — F.Brenon/20Minutes
- In Saint-Nazaire, the France-Argentina final was broadcast in a fan-zone.
- Nearly 2,000 people gathered for the event at the submarine base.
- Fans went through all the emotions, right up to the painful ending.
“It’s terrible. We had a great time, we were convinced; we were going to do it. But it’s sport, you have to accept it.” Mathis, Karim and their friends are having a hard time figuring it out. hide their “dejection”. Alongside them, other young supporters with cheeks painted blue-white-red also seem to be feeling the blow, almost stunned. Like them, after having vibrated so much, they are nearly 2,000 to Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) at; to have expressed their pain after the last shot on goal, synonymous with Argentina’s victory in the World Cup.
Collective emotion allowed by a “legendary match” lived in the fan-zone installed in the submarine base of the city. One of the rare initiatives of this kind in France, while the vast majority mayors had preferred boycott the event. Despite critics, the edile of Saint-Nazaire, the socialist David Samzun, had opened this festive room as soon as the semi-finals were held in order to “allow the inhabitants to gather” and “sharing popular moments”. Mission accomplished beyond hopes, despite the final outcome.
“We will talk about it again in 50 years, even if we lost”
“”It hurt to lose like that, on penalties. It’s super violent after the scenario of the match. Our young people had ensured so much, confides, with red eyes, Sandrine, who came with the family. “Yes, it’s hard, confirms Thierry, speaking to; his two annoyed teenagers. But we all went through a crazy thing together. This final, it is insane. We will talk about it again in 50 years, even if we lost it.” Damien, too, is convinced that he “assisted’ to something out of the ordinary.” He says he is “happy for Messi”, who “deserves him so much”.
The hysteria of the Saint-Nazaire fan-zone after the third goal of the French team, December 18, 2022. – F. Brenon/20Minutes
Jessica still can’t believe it. “We are in shock there. There is the defeat but above all there is everything that happened. just before. I’m shocked.” His girlfriend Clara puts an arm around his shoulders. “I am too sad, but also too happy about this day. We shouted so much, çit made too much noise. I thought the underwater base was going to collapse.” “It’s true,” said Mathis. It was beautiful, it was crazy, it was cruel. I’ll remember it all my life, that’s for sure.”