Was La Marseillaise rousing? Yes it was. Did the sky blush obediently behind the Eiffel Tower Stadium on cue? Yes it did. Did the afternoon rain stop? Yes. Was the stadium full? Yes. Did the many tricolours fly and the fans sing? Yes. Did the Eiffel Tower light up like a golden goddess bestowing beatitudes, behind the stadium and into the night? Mais bien sûr. Was the blind football final between France and Argentina a fitting Saturday finale to a triumphant Paralympic Games? Oui, Oui, Oui!
That France won 3-2 in a penalty shootout was the icing on top of whatever the most perfect éclair is in the most exclusive Parisian pâtisserie. All the tension of a normal penalty shootout only with the added jeopardy that the players can’t see (although the goalkeeper can) and possibly the most beautiful footballing backdrop in the world.
