Champagne on the Champs-Elysées
“I don’t think I have seen such celebrations since the Liberation…”It is in these precise words that Claude Simonet, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), described the unique atmosphere that reigned over the Champs-Elysées in PARIS. The first World Cup Final qualification for FRANCE was launched with a rain fall of champagne on the “world’s most beautiful” avenue, where just under 350,000 people celebrated immediately after the victory of FRANCE over CROATIA (2-1).
The “French masses”, sang and danced their way from the Arc de Triomphe to the obelisk monument at Place de la Concorde, with the chanting of “On est en finale” (We are in the final) and “THURAM, THURAM” (Lilian THURAM (15), scored the two qualifying goals. During his two seasons with Parma, a premiere division Italian team, France’s right back didn’t score one single goal. Whereas yesterday evening, against Croatia, he scored his first two goals for FRANCE).
The president of the FFF continued to point out the success of the French Organisation Committee which has “superbly organised this World Cup and has brought together the world of football as one big family.” Claude Simonet equally congratulated the work of the coach, Aimé JACQUET “things aren’t always easy, especially with certain media.” Finally, he expressed a message of hope and encouragement to the “Tricolores” for the final on 12th July at Stade de France in SAINT-DENIS, where FRANCE will meet BRAZIL.
Dominique Rocheteau, former French international, who played in two previous lost World Cup semi-finals for France in 1982 and 1986, saw the French assailing fountains at the roundabout of the Champs-Elysées, men and women alike were cheering and improvising dances to the rhythm of “á nous le BRESIL” (bring on Brazil). The former attacker and team-mate of Michel Platini spoke of an “historic victory. The French team can move mountains. One can feel solidarity and a great friendship between the players. After this game I have no doubt whatsoever that FRANCE has a real chance of winning the World Cup.”
Dominique Rocheteau also brought to attention the performance of Lilian Thurman (15) and the sending off of Lauren BLANC (5), “Since the start of the competition Lilian has played some superb football. As for the red card for Laurent Blanc, the pictures clearly show that the referee was wrong.”
On taking a last look at the immense joy shared by the whole crowd on the Champs-Elysées, Rocheteau couldn’t help himself from praising the work of Michel Platini, the co-president of the CFO, and a friend, “he has done a magnificent job. He knows how to protect a beautiful game, and make this World Cup a success.”
“On est en finale, on est en finlae…” (We are in the final, we are in the final…) was being sung until late into the night, a joyful Parisian crowd, whilst hopeful, like Rocheteau, that the national French celebration (of the 14th July) will be brought forward by 48 hours this year.