Oyarzabal scores and Clermont-Ferrand falls silent | OneFootball

On Frances national day in Clermont-Ferrand, a semi-final night that began in full voice ended in sudden quiet after Oyarzabals penalty.

According to El Peridico Mediterrneo, gendarmes staying near the city hurried through post-Tour duties, pulled on team shirts and watched together, their passion peaking on 14 July.

In the main square beneath the Puy de Dme, the equestrian Vercingtorix looks on, an inscription recalling he took up arms for everyones freedom, a fitting backdrop in Auvergnes volcanic heartland.

With few screens in bars or restaurants, locals hauled out televisions, ran cables and packed terraces, tables booked days in advance and latecomers met with polite refusals.

Kick-off came at nine, daylight still lingering, La Marseillaise sung with fervour as chants for Les Bleus rolled across the streets and nerves steadied.

After 22 minutes Oyarzabal converted from the spot, and the carnival noise fell to a hush, broken only by scattered cheers from Spain fans and the odd red shirt, including the now familiar Lamine Yamal name.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo