Fans out in force to watch final game of FIFA World Cup action
Celebrations spread across city as France defeats Croatia for title
The screams of soccer fans gathered in downtown Windsor Sunday scared the birds off lamp posts along Ouellette Avenue. Brothers Dave and Derek Odette had prime bar seats for the standing-room-only FIFA World Cup final at a soccer-mad watering hole. Throughout the year, sibling rivalry divides the pair for Premier League games: Dave supports Manchester United and Derek supports Chelsea. They frequently come to The Manchester to watch games and jeer at each other.
When it comes to the World Cup, however, the pair don Les Bleus. And it was France’s day in Russia. “It’s been 20 years since France last won,” said Dave. “They’ve been through mutiny and disaster, but they won finally.” Amidst the packed room of screaming fans at The Manchester, Dave and Derek shared a victory hug when France won 4-2 over Croatia.
The brothers pumped their fists in the air and joined those around them in chanting, “Vive la France!” and abandoning their front-row spots so close to the television.
Several men sprinted from the pub waving the French flag they earlier draped over their shoulders. Passing drivers with French flags on their cars blared horns down Ouellette.
Sweat dripped from the foreheads of those who’d shouted themselves silly each time France scored a goal.
“It’s in our blood,” said Dave, who added the brothers have French-Canadian heritage. “We come together for France.” He said he’s stuck by France since 1984, the year he was born.
Buzzing soccer fans began lining up outside The Manchester early Sunday morning to get a seat for the FIFA World Cup final. Those with experience from the previous week’s England vs. Sweden game knew to get there early for a seat. People in both French and Croatian soccer jerseys arrived at 7 a.m., according to pub owner Tom Sotiriadis. His establishment reached its capacity of 300 people two hours later.
During the game, he had to stand at the door to bar the entrance to other eager sports fans.
“It’s been crazy,” he said, keeping an eye on how many people came and went during intermission. More than a dozen people were forced to watch from the packed pub’s patio. “The entire World Cup has been awesome for us.”
“You come here and people get into the game,” said France fan Paul Michaud. He spoke French to a friend and smoked a cigarette outside during intermission. “It’s a lot more fun to come to a venue.”
Each time a team scored, deafening cheers and boos from the maledominated crowd flooded the room and leaked onto the street. Pub servers had brooms and dustpans on hand to clean up shattered beer glasses knocked over during the game’s excitement. Alcohol flowed like water.
Croatia fan Alex Gutu couldn’t take his eyes off the game while he described his excitement. He wore the team’s red-and-white jersey with pride, despite the loss. “This is what soccer’s all about, bringing people together,” said Gutu. “Even though there are some people going for France and some people going for Croatia, everybody’s just having a good time.” After the match, fans in both national colours shook hands while car horns continued to honk.