the essential
France won its first match of Euro 2024 against Austria last night (1-0). The Blues did not score and won thanks to an own goal from an Austrian. But many Toulouse residents came out to support them, particularly at the Black Lion.
Shoulders adorned with French team jerseys, cheeks painted with flags. Last night, the customers of the Black Lion bar – Lion Noir in French – were in blue, white, red. These Toulouse residents had to properly celebrate France’s entry into competition for Euro 2024, which takes place in Germany. “It’s a really important match so we had to come,” says Arthur, met in the bar. “The opening can define the course of the competition.”
“Being there for France’s first match is the basis,” confirms Pauline, who had difficulty finding a free chair. And for good reason, nearly 300 people gathered in the bar, which broadcasts all of the competition’s matches on 7 different large screens – 2 on the terrace and 5 indoors. From 8 p.m., the place was crowded. Some even arrived three hours before kick-off to be sure of a place. Matthieu also came very early. “Here, it’s a great place to watch the matches, I spent almost the entire World Cup there in 2022,” he confides.
“At least tonight, we’re all here for the same thing”
For its first match, France faced Austria and won 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Wober. “It wasn’t an incredible match,” says Lisa, “the Blues didn’t score a single goal.” And many supporters agree with her. “It was difficult, with a lot of missed opportunities, we will have to do better against the Netherlands on Friday,” explains Lester. Next to it, Damien adds: “It was tense and undecided for a long time. I wasn’t very scared, but the Blues are solid.”
“The purpose of coming to a bar is above all to have a good time, to be with colleagues,” explains Pierre, another supporter, a bit less of a football fan. Sports competitions allow everyone to come together, like the crowd at the Black Lion last night. And in a rather tense current political and social context, the Euro comes at the right time. “It’s a little decompression bubble, we forget the problems around us in this atmosphere,” says Margot. “And at least this evening, we’re all here for the same thing.”
