Soccer: Game second to socialising

At the Safari Lounge on Ponsonby Rd about 30 young French people gather to watch their team struggle to a goal-less draw with Uruguay.

Music thumps loudly, eliminating any chance of hearing the commentary, and the group looks just as happy to socialise as watch the football.

Fabrice Alleaume, from Paris, said that although he enjoyed soccer, the real reason he had come along was for the chance to meet his fellow Frenchmen.

"When your country is playing and you are overseas it's a big occasion. You support your country."

Fabrice Alleaume has been in New Zealand for two years, working as a French teacher.

He thought France had a good chance of winning the cup, and should make the semifinals.

Cyrille Douillet has been living in New Zealand for the past five years, working for the America's Cup competition.

He said he would like to stay here, but would have to move if New Zealand lost the America's Cup.



Maurine Talpin has been in New Zealand only three months, but she and her boyfriend plan to stay here. After travelling around the South Island she is now looking for work.

She admitted to not being a big soccer fan, but said she had developed an interest during the last World Cup, hosted and won by France.

She said she would probably watch all France's games and was enjoying the chance to meet other young French people in Auckland.

Some serious fans explained that France must win or at least draw the game against Uruguay. There was also talk that without the home advantage this time, they might not do so well.

But no matter how well the French team does, this group say they will keep getting together to watch.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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