Brazilian fireworks put in cold storage

The faces were painted with the national colours — red, white and blue — while flags, caps and the World Cup mascot, Footix, were all around. Even the Centre’s little dog had the flag painted on its forehead. Surprisingly, a few Brazilian fans strayed in from the Brazilian Embassy next door but their presence only made the French cheer louder.

People chanted, raised slogans which could be heard simultaneously in the stadium on screen. Every time the team touched the ball, cheers filled the room. When Zidane scored, everybody jumped and hugged each other.

More demonstrative supporters climbed onto the stage waving a huge flag, as champagne corks flew across the room. The scene was right out of any French cafe.

And as France scored its second goal a few minutes before half-time, everybody was delirious. Faces bore big smiles during the break, as the supporters drank wine commenting on the team’s excellent play and Zidane’s “sacred head” which had scored twice. Nobody had hoped for so much.

With a two-goal lead, confidence was at its peak in the second half. But there were quick, furtive glances at wristwatches to see how much time was left before France entered football history. Defender Desailly’s red card sent a sudden chill through the room, but the “France — world champions” and early “We’ve won” cheers came back as strong as ever. Petit’s goal a few seconds before the whistle, crowned it all as everybody came out dancing and chanting in an outburst of joy and nationalism.

Most stayed on for a drink and the place soon turned into an imprompt discotheque with people dancing all over and flags everywhere. Other fans joined in and the party went on till 4 in the morning. A few Brazilians also dropped by to congratulate the winners with a spirit of camaraderie. “Ronaldo will do it next time,” one predicted.