France Celebrates Soccer World Cup Triumph
Jubilant French residents poured out in force on the streets Sunday in celebration of France’s World Cup triumph, which returned the champion’s trophy to France 20 years after its 1998 win.
The French team, which beat Croatia by a score of 4-2, went into the tournament as an underdog but ramped up its game as play wore on. The unexpected nature of this World Cup victory bolstered French people’s enthusiasm and fueled their emotional reaction to today’s result.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who traveled to Russia to watch the final, seemed overcome with joy. He was photographed jumping and shouting in his viewing box, which prompted some comments on social media saying that Macron may expect his popularity, which has taken a hit recently, to enjoy a boost, as did Jacques Chirac’s in 1998.
This amazing photo of Emmanuel Macron was the work of Alexei Nikolsky of TASS news agency. Credit where it's due – it's a superb capture. #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/1vgTfi6dOr
— Alistair Coleman (@alistaircoleman) July 15, 2018
Meanwhile, in France, thousands of people from all walks of life have been thronging the streets, flooding iconic sites of Paris, from the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Republique. The World Cup victory has also been fueling French patriotism with people waving flags and singing La Marseillaise.
Les Champs Élysées !
#FRA#CM2018pic.twitter.com/DsF5EoBEyj
— Coupe du Monde
(@fifaworldcup_fr) July 15, 2018
Although the country is still under high terror threat, the heavy security has not dampen the festive spirit of French people. Some outlets have also noted the diversity of the French team which comprised a majority of first-generation French citizens, most of whom have African ancestry.
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