France's World Cup Win Felt on Pitch, Back at Home

France’s World Cup win signifies profound success, not just on pitch.........

Munich, Germany – France’s Semi-Final victory over Portugal last night marked a significant day for the French. For a country that has dealt with a great deal of social and political strife over the last year, the euphoric win and entrance to the World Cup Final provided the French people with something to smile about.

When the tournament began, the future looked bleak for Le Bleu. The French were dismal in their opener and only became more creative slightly as the first round proceeded. However, France, a team that has some of the world's most experienced players, managed to gain a berth to knock-out stage. There, Le Bleu finally showed glimpses of what we know they are capable. Needless to say that the win in the Quarters versus Brazil was special, Wednesday's win was memorable.

Portugal had its chances. With the retirement of Luis Figo, the Portuguese Capitan, on the line -- there was a sense in the crowd that they may just pull one off for their skipper. And despite the whistles from the crowd upon every touch, Christiano Ronaldo made the French defense look slow and foolish at times. His creative back-heel with about ten minutes to go nearly created the equalizer that Portugal was in search of.

But when the whistle blew, the French fans rocked the stadium with chants of "Zie Zu" in honor of Zidane's PK and game winning kick.

However, the cheering, for the French, was not just about football. France has over the last year been rocked with political and social upheaval on an unprecedented scale much to the dismay of its upper, elite politicians and aristocrats. The nation's youth have cried out for reform -- a need to help them find jobs and allow the young French of the future to take hold of the economy, the political landscape and the culture. For too long, the French have contained the social discontentment of its youth and the staggering unemployment.

However, many doubt that the French run to the WC Final will produce any sort of sustained change in the political nature of the French community. Most there have had enough of President Chirac, his henchmen, the weak economy and particularly the EU. With so much at stake for the French –- much more than football –- one would think that the French government would try to mobilize a sentiment behind the success of the team and the potential success of a World Cup Championship. However, nothing of the like has occurred, and you can hardly be surprised given the fact that the top French officially are fundamentally out of touch with the French people.