French soccer fans in Montreal lament World Cup final loss
Posted December 18, 2022 12:01 pm.
Last Updated December 18, 2022 6:27 pm.
French soccer fans in Montreal and around the world went from despair to elation – twice – Sunday during the World Cup final before their side ultimately lost the match on penalties.
“I am so disappointed about the score, actually,” said one France fan. “It’s a shame for France. We should have won this game.
“Good job guys. You are the best. You are in my heart forever.”
France supporters gathered at Clébard in the Plateau to watch their side take on Lionel Messi and Argentina in the sport’s biggest game.
The French came back from down 2-0 with two late goals in regulation time from young superstar Kylian Mbappe – 97 seconds apart.
“I think we fight to the end and we play good until the end,” one fan told CityNews.
France fans at Montreal bar Clebard react to World Cup final loss on Dec. 18, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)
They again clawed their way from defeat after going down 3-2 in extra time to a Messi 108th-minute goal, with Mbappe scoring from the spot in the 118th minute.
Mere minutes away from being eliminated on two occasions, fans in French jerseys erupted at Clébard as the goals went in.
“I was believing,” said another France fan. “And that’s the most, the saddest part about all of this is that I had hope. Today is not the day.”
But their luck did not last in the penalty shootout, losing 4-2.
“Yes, we lost the game, but… we did a very well at World Cup. So we are very proud of France and we are still happy of our team and yeah, see you in four years.”
It was a gloomy start to the match for France fans as they watched Messi and Angel Di Maria put the Argentines up 2-0 at halftime.
France fans at Montreal bar Clebard react to World Cup final loss on Dec. 18, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)
