After sorting out some internet issues, I can finally get around to doing another travel post.  Last Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to head to France for one of the group games of the Euro Cup.  One of my friends from the University of Arkansas was in Europe to go to all of the Ireland group games, and was able to get me a ticket for the Ireland v Italy match.
The moment I stepped out of the train station I saw an incredible sight-the entire city of Lille had been invaded by Irish fans. This was good news to me seeing as I would be one of those fans for the night!

To those of you who have not kept up with the tournament, the Irish have grown extremely famous for how great their fans are. They have been seen socializing with rival teams’ fans, cheering on the French police, and picking up trash.  I headed to my Airbnb, dropped off backpack, then headed back to the station to meet up with my friend, Owen.

I met up with Owen right by the train station, where I put on the Irish jersey he had gotten for me to give to my dad. We headed on into town to have a pint and explore the city.
(Some Irish fans came prepared for the high price of a beer in France- some carried 6 packs, 24 packs, and even 5 liter mini kegs wherever they went)

We saw the Grand Place (Town Square) of Lille filled to the brim with fans chanting and enjoying the weather.  Whenever a small herd of Italy fans would walk by, you could count on an Irish fan striking a friendly conversation.


After having a beer with some Irish gentlemen, we hopped on the tram, grabbed some dinner, and made our way to the Stade Pierre Mauroy.



When we headed into the stadium, it was comforting to see how good security was for the venue; there were multiple rounds of security that every fan went through before being allowed into the match. One Irish fan had come shirtless and was about to be denied entry- I quickly through him my extra shirt to get through, where he drunkenly thanked me a few hundred times.



(The national anthem of the Republic of Ireland was sung in Gaelic, so I didn't follow too well)

Once the match began, the chanting from thousands of Irish fans did not stop. A few favorites include:
“Your defense is terrified, Shane Long’s on fire”
“Come on you boys in green, come on you boys in green”
“Stand up for the boys in green”

Ireland had slight control of the match throughout, keeping the fans on their feet and hopeful for a goal.  Italy was highly favored to win the game, and thus eliminate the Irish from the tournament.  In the 85th minute, Ireland's dreams came true when Robbie Brady placed an incredible header in the back of the net.  The crowd was thunderous as strangers turned to the adjacent person in green and gave them a bear hug.


When the final whistle blew, the crowd continued their chanting and praise of the team for the next 20-30 minutes (I have a video but cannot figure out how to upload so it will be put on Facebook).
As I headed to my Airbnb for the night, I could not believe how great of an environment the Irish provided. In lieu of the violence caused by the Russian fans, Ireland showed what football should be about. Unfortunately, Ireland was knocked out of the Euro Cup in the next round by France, but I will never forget the Boys in Green that were supported by the best fans throughout their time in the tournament.
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Read more from Ben at http://beninbelgium.tumblr.com/
Learn more about studying or interning abroad as a Bumpers college student at: http://bumperscollege.uark.edu/programs/international-programs/index.php