Bars packed as local French celebrate World Cup win in Palm Springs

People here in the Coachella Valley, packed a few bars to catch the final of the World Cup Sunday. Both French and Croatian supporters cheering on their respective teams.

It’s a lively atmosphere at the Hair of the Dog Pub in Palm Springs, with people watching the world cup final, many of them supporting the underdog Croatia.

However, the favored French though did pull out the win, delighting their fans.

“So happy! Yes! Allez les bleus! Vive La France,” Corrine Sitbon of Palm Springs said. Sitbon is a native French that has lived in city for the past year.

Croatia supporters say the loss didn’t diminish from the team’s achievement and knew the odds of them winning were long.

“They had to go two rounds of PK’S so I imagine they’re pretty spent. It’s a smaller country,” Gabriel Zanoria said.

For one French family visiting Palm Springs, it was a significant moment.

“Like in 1998, it’s very good for the economy for France. Everybody feels happy and they don’t feel said and it’s good for France,” Thomas Koch said.

“In every street, there are like fires, and you can’t walk on the Champ Elysee right now, so it’s just gorgeous, I think so.,” William Koch said.

With all of the world cup games during the past month, the bartenders at the pub said, business has been boosted compared to a normal day.

“Definitely three or four times the amount. I can’t tell you a number but it’s been definitely packed,” Jennifer Goodlander, said.

With the World Cup now concluded, French supporters say it’s a point of national pride.

“French people are very good at football. Croatia was very good too. I mean, I was for the best one, but I’m French so my heart is with France,” Sitbon said.