“It’s awful. We had a great time, we were convinced that we were going to do it. But it’s sport, you have to accept it. “Mathis, Karim and their friends have a hard time hiding 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 in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) to have expressed their sorrow after the ultimate shot on goal, synonymous with Argentine victory in the World Cup.
Collective emotion allowed by a “legendary match” experienced in the fan-zone installed in the submarine base of the city. One of the rare initiatives of this kind in France when the vast majority of mayors had preferred to boycott the event. Despite the criticism, the city councilor of Saint-Nazaire, the socialist David Samzun, had opened this festive room from the semi-final in order to “allow the inhabitants to meet” and “share popular moments”. Mission accomplished beyond expectations, despite the final outcome.
“We will talk about it again in 50 years, even if we lost”
“It hurts to lose like that, on penalties. It’s super violent after the scenario of the match. Our young people had provided so much, ”confides, with red eyes, Sandrine, who came with her family. “Yes it’s hard, confirms Thierry, addressing his two annoyed teenagers. But we all went through a crazy thing together. This final, it is insane. We’ll talk about it again in 50 years, even if we lost it. “Damien, too, is convinced of having” witnessed something out of the ordinary “. He says to himself, moreover, “happy for Messi”, who “deserves it so much”.
Jessica, she 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 am shocked. His friend Clara puts an arm around his shoulders. “I am too sad, but also too happy about this day. We shouted so much, it was too loud. I thought the submarine base was going to collapse. ” ” That’s true, adds Mathis. It was beautiful, it was crazy, it was cruel. I will remember it all my life, that’s for sure. »