Underdogs Croatia clearly had more vocal support as the world football fever reached a crescendo at local screenings here on Sunday.
At the Taj West End, over 1,600 frenzied football fans squatted before a giant 16ft by 40ft screen, mostly rooting for every Croatian move.
But the tide started to turn when the French raids into the Croatian territory got converted to goals, one after another. Shouting and screaming, French teenager Mbappe turned their hero.
The hotel lawns were packed to capacity. Their faces painted in Croatian and French colours, the young crowd was passionately debating every goalward move.
Food, fun and festivity forged for a football final fiesta Bengaluru had rarely experienced.
Dh photo/ranju p
That passion found an echo at the Kanteerava stadium as well, where thousands had gathered for a unique global cause. It was a resolute stand of solidarity with football fans the world over.
Glued to their home TV screens and mobile apps for weeks, the die hard fans knew the Sunday final had to be savoured in big, teeming groups.
The big screen match relays was their perfect opportunity.
Eventually, when the French lifted the World Cup in style, the crowds cheered in tandem, happy that they had witnessed a match that befitted the final.
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