French fans 'sickened, disgusted'
French fans in Paris groaned and booed their own team Tuesday - and even cheered for South Africa - as they watched France's last World Cup loss, a final humiliation after the squad's public infighting left the nation aghast.
Thousands of people, some wearing or waving French flags, showed up to watch the match broadcast on a screen across from the Eiffel Tower. But hopes lost ground as South Africa began scoring, and the bitterness was palpable by the game's end.
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French fans in Paris groaned and booed their own team Tuesday - and even cheered for South Africa - as they watched France's last World Cup loss, a final humiliation after the squad's public infighting left the nation aghast.
Thousands of people, some wearing or waving French flags, showed up to watch the match broadcast on a screen across from the Eiffel Tower. But hopes lost ground as South Africa began scoring, and the bitterness was palpable by the game's end.
France lost, 2-1, and left the tournament. "I'm sickened, disgusted," Alain Le Prince said, dressed in a team jersey, his cheeks painted with the colors of the French flag - and among those who said he cheered for South Africa. "Everyone is laughing at us." The crowd cheered loudly when France's Florent Malouda scored the team's only goal of the tournament. But people had also cheered when France's Yoann Gourcuff was shown a red card and expelled.