In a 2-0 Victory, Spain Defeats France During SF Bastille Day Celebrations
Packed into North Beach bars, France fans wrapped themselves in flags, painted their cheeks and cheered on their national team as it faced off against Spain in the World Cup semifinals.
This year’s match coincided with Bastille Day – a national holiday commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution – which made it an extra special occasion for Bay Area “Frenchies.”
“We must win because it’s also a special day for France,” said Emma Cachot, a French national who came to watch the match with her friends.
Despite the excitement, Spain defeated France 2-0.
Theo Piel, a San Francisco native, came prepared for the occasion, wielding a baguette and donning a beret.
“I was born and raised in San Francisco to French parents, so I speak fluent French and I’m fortunate enough to have the French culture with the San Francisco living,” Piel said.
He said he would still celebrate Bastille Day, win or lose.
Piel’s friend, Charles Dela Roca, voiced his support for Spain — because he’s planning to move there next year.
“I never watched soccer, ever, and then the fact that they brought FIFA to America opened my eyes to the culture,” Dela Roca said. “Everyone else is super nice, super sweet, and it bridges a lot of gaps that I didn’t even know existed.”
Liam Halliche, who owns Paris 75 and Paname — the bar and nightclub hosting Tuesday’s event — talked about how wonderful the World Cup has been for his businesses.
Since the start of the World Cup, Halliche’s establishments have regularly hosted watch parties for France, as well as other countries.
“It’s been really great to discover all the different countries and different cultures and their way to celebrate,” Halliche said.
The French community still has plenty to look forward to. This Saturday, San Francisco will host its seventh annual Bastille Day festival at Embarcadero Plaza.