INDEX
Stade
de France The
most popular sport in France is, of course, football. As France won the
World Cup in 1998, many people regard their national team as the strongest
one in the world. When the French president Chriac said to the students in
Italy, “You have the best football league in the world. We have the best
football team in the world,” I was very anxious that he would be in trouble with
Italians. I went to the Stade de France in the suburb of Paris where the World
Cup was held. The game was France vs. Japan. Even if it was a friendship
game, all principal players of both team attended, like Nakata of Japan,
Zidane of France. As it is home of France national team, of course, I could not hear the
Japanese anthem, while the all audience stood up and sing all together
French one “La Marseillaise.” Once the game started, they
continue to make waves, sing “Beat Japan” or “We are the champion.” I found a poster saying “World Cup 2002, when France wins
the second world champion.” What a confidence! As for the game, France beat Japan by 5-0. Even during the game, I
felt being covered by French who saw me and said, “Oh, here we find a Japanese!” and I was so ashamed with the result that I tried to leave the
stadium right after the game. Then, a French guy, who was cheering French
team with whistle, talked to me. “It’s a pity but take a chance on next
time.” And he held my hand. I was frustrated during the game, but his words made me happy. French
text
Japanese text
English Version
Patriotism in football
French Version
english Version
Japanese Version