REPORTAGE In the bars of the capital, supporters have forgotten the controversies and debates surrounding the World Cup in Qatar to focus on the entry of the Blues into the competition. “20 Minutes” went to meet them
In a bar in the 2nd arrondissement, the supporters were present for this first match of the French team in Qatar — L. Gamaury for 20 Minutes
- Far from Doha, the supporters of the French football team were present for the entry into the competition of their darlings.
< li>“For moments like that, we couldn’t not watch,” says Aurélien, met in a bar in the 2nd arrondissement, after Olivier Giroud’s first goal, which allowed France to lead 2-1.
After weeks of controversy and denunciation, the World Cup in Qatar is taking place and this Tuesday, the Blues, defending champions, enter the competition against an Australian team a priori not favourite. But a fervent supporter, crusader around the first bar visited in the capital last night, a tricolor scarf discreetly wrapped around the neck, recalls the previous ones. “Italy, who won in 2006 went out in the first round in 2010, the same for Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018, so if we could avoid talking about an easy match.” ;
It is therefore impossible for this fan, who prefers to remain anonymous, to miss the competition: “sport, çit should just remain the spectacle. The rest, we leave aside. competition time.” In the same bar in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, Laur ene was also tempted. “It’s always nice to come and have a beer after leaving the office, football is more of an excuse,” she smiles as she launches her prediction. “Oh I would say 2-1 for France, bet our one night stand. But in 2018, at every time we tried to make predictions, I screwed up.” This will again be the case tonight.
““Tonight, for France-Australia, it’s full. On the rest, no comment”
Even before the kickoff of this France-Australia, we continue the rounds of meals, just to take the temperature in the central district of Bonne Nouvelle. If a bar whose name we will not name refuses us entry, which is by reservation to obtain a seat, the boss is categorical: “Yes, we broadcast all the matches. Tonight, for France-Australia, it’s full. On the rest, no comment”. He leaves us there. on the sidewalk, only able to see that behind the bay windows, the atmosphere is slowly rising a quarter of an hour before kick-off.
A stone’s throw away on the boulevard, opposite the Grand Rex, Indiana has taken out its big screen on the terrace. Seb (whose first name has been changed at his request) came with some friends: “it’s a moment of communion, we get together, we have a drink and we encourage the Blue ! ” As the hymn resounds, the terrace sings it in chorus. Passers-by stop on the sidewalk. “Allez les Bleus!” the question of following this World Cup. But the call from the buddies was stronger: “I would say 3-0 for France just to start with a bang”.
”For moments like ça, we couldn’t not watch”
For this first period, we joined the 2nd arrondissement where the tone is set; From the storefront: “Here, we broadcast the matches”. For a group of young colleagues, brought together around Amine, “we came from work”. Cigarette and pint àgrave; hand, they stay on the terrace watching the game at home. inside: “it’s fine without the sound too, and then it’s only Australia”. For another, “it’s a way of supporting without getting too involved”. Up to the 9th minute when the Australians opened the scoring and the Blues lost Luca Hernandez to injury. “No, but we can’t let ourselves be air-conditioned like this, they will recover,” breathes Amine, not so detached anymore.
Inside, crowded in front of the screen, the supporters are extinguished: “We might have done better to boycott”, cowardly Aurélien . But the equalization of Adrien Rabiot reassures everyone, Olivier Giroud confirms. “Why not? They are there now and the damage is done so you might as well enjoy yourself,” adds a much more relaxed Aurélien. “For moments like ça, you couldn’t not watch,” he adds.
“Even if I don’t agree with everything, I love football too much”
At half-time, change of harbour: on line 3, Adrien screwed helmet; on the ears and match on his phone, agrees to answer us. “I missed it“ three goals already, I watch the highlights before finishing the game at home. Do not watch? I did not ask myself the question even if I don’t agree with everything, I love football too much,” he blurts out before diving back into the summary.
Our file on the 2022 World Cup
To finish this barathon of France-Australia, we fail at; the Gambetta metro exit, where the supporters are there even if the atmosphere does not explode the decibels. To the waiter, who is taking his cigarette break, back turned; to the screen: “Oh me football, it’s really not my thing, even a World Cup, I’ve never really watched. And for the rest, I don”t follow the news too much, you know” A 4-1 against Australia, ç it is neither hot nor cold, he who has already went back and forth with his tray. “But çit was nice to talk to you, come back anytime.” Except to talk about football, politics, ecology or controversy. Fifa would appreciate.