Nice balances World Cup semi-final with 14 July attack commemorations | OneFootball

Nice will mark Tuesday's World Cup semi-final in remembrance of the 14 July 2016 attack that killed 86 people, with many residents seeking to balance tribute and football.

On Sunday, after a memorial march, flowers were laid at L'ange de la Baie, a Jean-Marie Fondacaro sculpture. According to L'Équipe, Place Masséna's official stand will host part of Tuesday's tribute with Emmanuel Macron, who said a minute's silence will precede France v Spain in Dallas.

The commemorations began Sunday and continue Tuesday with a late afternoon ceremony, then a drone show over the Baie des Anges at 22:00. France kick off at 21:00, setting a singular evening for the city.

Retired teacher Catherine Foucher said recent images reopened wounds and, with a friend's daughter among the victims, her heart is with the tribute, though she believes both moments can coexist. Young fans will meet on Cours Saleya, while 82-year-old Jean-Louis says football comes after.

Sarah, a Niçoise of English origin, hopes France win but finds Tuesday too hard to celebrate, saying the events 10 years ago marked her deeply.

A city fan zone will wait for any final on Sunday, with extra security expected. Nadine, 71, a Niçoise for 50 years, recalls her husband, younger daughter and grandchildren jumping into the sea to escape, and says a France win later would feel like a tribute.

Supporter Denis Prett, a 44-year-old carpenter, says the memory remains strong but life must carry on, and he will watch the match with his son.

Source: L'Équipe