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Photos: Jubilant Vancouver fans celebrate France's World Cup victory

Twenty years after France won its first FIFA World Cup, a new generation of French soccer fans is discovering the thrill of hoisting the coveted gold cup. And, on Sunday morning in Vancouver, they seemed to be enjoying it.
World Cup Vancouver
With Science World as a backdrop, Emeline Doumange celebrates France's World Cup win on Sunday morning.

Twenty years after France won its first FIFA World Cup, a new generation of French soccer fans is discovering the thrill of hoisting the coveted gold cup.

And, on Sunday morning in Vancouver, they seemed to be enjoying it.

Just as France has a relatively young team — 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe scored one of France's four goals in the 4-2 win over Croatia — the ebullient crowd gathered at Creekside Park near Science World was also very young.

Neighbourhood pubs had opened early so French fans could watch the games and then join together en masse at the nearby park. Not only was there the joy of the win but it was also a celebration of French culture — particularly the songs that bind people together. Later, the festivities continued at a barbeque at Sunset Beach.

Here's a video of the Creekside festivities, with photos by Martha Perkins below.

 

World Cup Vancouver
World Cup Vancouver
World Cup Vancouver
Forget about wearing your heart on your sleeve. Paint it on your face.
World Cup Vancouver
With arms outstretched, fans lift and carry a young reveller along the line.

 

World Cup Vancouver
Vancouver's French community certainly felt they had something to cheer about.
World Cup Vancouver
The festivities at Creekside Park are reflected in Emeline Doumange's sunglasses.
World Cup Vancouver
Event organizers rallied everyone in song.
World Cup Vancouver
If you don't have a megaphone, a pylon will do. Rally organizer Pierre Touzel makes do.
World Cup Vancouver
World Cup Vancouver
World Cup Vancouver
World Cup Vancouver
Hats were optional.
World Cup Vancouver
The majority of the crowd at Creekside Park were children the last time France won the World Cup.
World Cup Vancouver
Waving the flag for France.
World Cup Vancouver
Various media were there to capture the fans' joie de vivre. - Martha Perkins
World Cup Vancouver
By 11 o'clock, it was already hot; these three fans found some cool shade. - Martha Perkins
World Cup Vancouver
Antoine Bonard of Salade de Fruits arrived at the party (and left in) his Citroen 2CV. - Martha Perkins
World Cup Vancouver
Is this Vancouver or Paris? Fans leave the festivities at Creekside Park. - Martha Perkins