World Cup: Delight for French fans, despair for English supporters in Singapore
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Ervin Ang and Kolette Lim
SINGAPORE – It was the perfect Sunday for Amine Laghzaoui. Born in Nantes and raised in Casablanca, the French-Moroccan was at a loss for words after watching both countries prevail in their World Cup quarter-finals against England and Portugal respectively.
Speaking after Les Bleus’ 2-1 win, Laghzaoui, who has lived in Singapore for four years, said: “Speechless. I can’t answer you right now. I’m so glad to be here celebrating with my countrymen and to have this shared sense of community. The support has been so strong tonight and I always believed in us.”
Hours earlier, “La Marseillaise” – the French national anthem – was sang with vigour and passion before kick-off as he and his compatriots, part of a supporters’ group here known as “French Frogs”, had gathered for the outdoor live screening at The Lawn at Chijmes.
The 360-inch mega screen also gave them a close-up view of their heroes; each appearance of Olivier Giroud, who would score the winning goal, drew loud whistles.
Rennes native Anthony Leray was wearing a Stade Rennais mask, the Ligue 1 club he supports and where France forward Ousmane Dembele spent his early years.
Leray, 38, said: “Dembele is my favourite player. I think he did so well today even though he did not score. He is so quick and good at dribbling that he gives space to Giroud and Kylian Mbappe to score the goals.
“The atmosphere must be absolutely crazy back home – just like it was when I was in Paris when we won the 2018 World Cup.”
Down in Orchard Road, there were equally emotional scenes at Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub where England fans had congregated.
At the final whistle, however, there were only collective groans and heads buried in hands. Some made a swift exit, unable to watch the French team celebrating on the screens behind them.
For Hannah Langton, decked in the red and white of Saint George’s Cross, this was her first time watching a World Cup game with compatriots here.
The sales director, 33, said at half-time: “Before the game, we expected (England) to lose since France won the previous (World Cup). But with this atmosphere, it makes me believe and hope that we can do it.”
Nerves were understandably frayed as France twice took the lead while England wasted several chances, including Harry Kane’s missed penalty at the end.
Some fans stood on chairs while others hugged those closest to them as the match wore on.
No one blamed the England captain for his wild attempt. Data accountant Oliver Smallwood, 38, said: “It’s a tough position when you have the pressure of the whole country on your shoulders.
“It’s definitely disappointing and heartbreaking. But England has a very young and talented team with players like (Bukayo) Saka and (Jude) Bellingham and will go much further in the next World Cup.”
France fans react during the World Cup semi-final match against England at Chijmes on Dec 11, 2022.
The French, meanwhile, march on to a semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday and Laghzaoui will be there at the Al Bayt Stadium. The engineer, 32, had bought a flight to Qatar before the weekend’s round of quarter-finals.
“When I booked my tickets, I was not thinking that it was going to be Morocco at all. I was going there for France,” he said.
He faces a tough choice though when he arrives in Doha.
“It’s like picking between my mother and my wife. I don’t know who I want to win.”
