FRANCE: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - French Algerian fans proud and frustrated with World Cup exit

Record ID: 573538

  • Title: FRANCE: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - French Algerian fans proud and frustrated with World Cup exit
  • Date: 24th June 2010
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (JUNE 23, 2010) (REUTERS) VARIOUS FANS LINING UP TO ENTER CHARLETTY STADIUM IN PARIS, WHERE A GIANT SCREEN SHOWED MATCH VARIOUS ALGERIA FANS WATCHING MATCH VARIOUS FANS REACTING TO PLAY
  • Embargoed: 9th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: France
  • Country: France
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA6HPF3S851IR68GZ1QLQSZ3Y8Q
  • Story Text: Algeria's final World Cup Group C match on Wednesday (June 23) against the United States drew a substantial crowd in Paris, home to a substantial minority drawn from the North African country.
    A crowd of several thousand lined up to get into the Charletty Stadium in Paris, where a giant screen showed the fixture which Algeria lost to the United States in the final minute of play.
    Draped in Algerian flags, the crowd cheered on their team, shrieking when the American squad looked as if it might threaten them.
    In the Belleville quarter of Paris that is predominantly North African, bars and and restaurants were packed with people eager to catch a glimpse of the Algerian performance.
    Landon Donovan struck in the second minute of injury time to spark wild joy among American fans and players alike and mix of sadness and pride for Algerians fans in Paris.
    "We are proud of our national team and we congratulated them for their record. Long live Algeria!"
    said Rahim.
    Another Algerian fan, Abdelak, expressed his frustration.
    "I'm very disappointed but it's a great team. Even if some defenders and strikers are missing but step by step the team is going to improve and going to be ready for the next Africa Cup," he said.
    Mohamed Cherif summoned up the feeling among the fans.
    "Listen, whatever if Algeria wins or loses we are proud of it, and we will support Algeria for ever," he said.
    The 1-0 win gave the United States first place in the group. The result put Algeria out -- another disappointment for Africans whose teams are flopping at the continent's first World Cup.
    Donovan's late goal was also shattering for Slovenia, the tournament's smallest nation with a population of just over two million people, who would otherwise have gone through.
    Slovenia lost 1-0 to England, who qualified second in the group.
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