SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, (THEWILL) – Newspapers and TV stations hailed France’s World Cup victory on Monday, while clean-up crews worked against the clock to tidy up after a crazy night’s partying in Paris ahead of a victory parade down the Champs Elysees.
“Our Day of Glory Is Here” declared Le Figaro, referencing a rousing line from the Marseillaise anthem.
“History Made” announced sports daily L’Equipe, while business journal Les Echos went for the more straightforward “Champions of the World.”
Photos of superstars Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, as well as shots of the team holding aloft and kissing the trophy, dominated coverage.
The victory has created a sense of national unity, with commentators playing up the fact the squad, the second-youngest in the competition, includes many with central and North African heritage, even if all but two were born in France.
Videos shot by the players in the frenetic changing room after the win showed them singing, dancing and raising a toast together, while teaching President Emmanuel Macron, who could barely contain his excitement, how to do a “dab.”
The Paris metro system got into the celebratory mood, announcing the names of a number of stations were being briefly changed to honor the players and coach, Didier Deschamps.
So Notre-Dame des Champs station was relabeled “Notre Didier Deschamps,” and Victor Hugo was switched to “Victor Hugo Lloris” after the captain and goalkeeper.
THEWILL recalls that France, on Sunday, won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, defeating Croatia 4-2.
Mario Mandzukic scored an own-goal to open scoring, with referee Nestor Pitana awarding a penalty to Les Blues after a confirmation from the the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after 38 minutes. Antonio Griezmann converted the spot kick, sending goalkeeper Subasic the wrong way.
Paul Pogba scored the third on 59 minutes, before Kylian Mbappe found the net for France in the 65th minute
Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic however got the goals for the Croatians in the 28th and 69th minute.
Overall, Kylian Mbappe won the Young player of the tournament award, and Luka Modric won the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament.
Harry Kane got the Golden Boot as the highest goal scorer with six goals with Belgium goalkeeper, Thiabus Courtois, winning the Golden glove as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
The French team is scheduled to arrive back in France at 14.00 GMT, with crowds set to gather at Charles de Gaulle airport to receive them.
A parade down the Champs Elysees is scheduled for 15.30 GMT, and there will be a formal victory reception with Macron at the Elysee Palace at 16.30 GMT.
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