France unites in World Cup sorrow

France united in sorrow and wounded pride today after its team lost the World Cup final to Italy, with fans thronging Paris’ Champs-Elysees and spilling into streets nationwide in a collective post-match consolation party.

Dismay at losing out on soccer’s greatest honour in a spectacular, tightly fought match was palpable – but so was satisfaction at having made it to the final at all. France struggled to qualify for the Cup and then barely squeezed past the first round.