the essential
The 17th edition of the European Championship begins this Friday evening, 9 p.m., at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The Agenais do not seem to be in the enthusiasm of the competition.
With the opening match between Germany and Scotland, France will be off to a busy month. However, the political news which affects the entire country has shifted priorities and made us forget, at times, that the French team will soon be playing in a European championship. Even if the audience is constantly increasing for Les Bleus matches, the atmosphere around the UEFA competition seems to be losing steam over the years.
Walking through the streets of Agen, you hardly notice any promotion for Euro 2024, apart from advertisements from brands that support the Blues. The Agen bars still broadcast the matches, but no major events planned, except at the V & B which organizes games of “Mario Kart” on a giant screen, at the same time as the matches. For the majority, the bars remain attentive following the competition to offer offers or events depending on the progress of the Blues.
The Olympics and the Tour de France are taking the spotlight?
One of the probable causes of this drop in interest in the European Championship can be explained by the events that the city and the country will soon host. “The Euro is not really like the World Cup which remains quite unique. We obviously follow the matches, but there are fewer issues than in other competitions,” explains Philippe, 35. The 13th stage of the Tour de France starting from Agen is the star event of this summer for the city.
Even if the cyclists will not leave until July 12, the events around the reception of the stage will keep residents and businesses busy. For Chaïne, the theory perhaps comes from the department’s favorite sport, namely rugby. “I don’t really follow football, but I know that here, rugby is better liked by the people around me, which is normal. Agen is a rugby town.”
Raise the craze
Of the fifteen people we met, only two people follow football. For others, the excitement of competition comes when the matches begin. “When we arrive at the group stages, we have a drink while following the match. It’s when the knockout matches arrive that the enthusiasm accelerates among the population. We generally already know that we will arrive at pass the chickens”, explains Ziad, 19 years old.
What is certain is that the Agenais will still be there to support their national team throughout the competition. The France team will play its first Euro match against Austria this Monday evening from 9 p.m.
