French in Pocatello celebrate as National Team wins first World Cup in 20 years

It’s Sunday morning in Pocatello. The parking lot of The Pressbox is completely filled. It’s only 10 o’clock.

Inside, the main room is filled with people of all ages, eyes glued to the screens.

France has a 2-1 lead on Croatia.

Some patrons eat eggs and pancakes, while others enjoy beers.

The sounds of anguish fill the air every few minutes as the two countries battle back and forth under Russian skies.

France would eventually tally on two more goals and win the 2018 World Cup, 4-2, France’s first win in 20 years.

But some members of the audience were cheering louder than others. Several French natives had found their way into The Pressbox to support the place they call home.

One family is just in town as they travel throughout the western United States on vacation. Their son, Anthony, told me the first thing he plans to do when he gets home is buy a World Cup champions shirt.

And while he’s more than 5,000 miles from home, he’ll never forget being in Pocatello for this “incredible” moment.

Gio Prigent was born in France but has been living in the states for the past seven years. He told me that he’s been getting texts from all of his friends, saying just how crazy it is all over France. With a win this big the day after Bastille Day, it’s the “best weekend ever.”