England faces off against Russia Saturday during the second day of the Euro 2016 football (soccer) championships in France.
Despite ongoing strikes -- including the start of an Air France pilot walkout -- and fears of a terrorist attack, the games kicked off to a peaceful start at the Stade de France outside Paris, as France beat Romania Friday, 2-1.
Balmy weather and promises of a good match meant a packed turnout at Belushi’s sports bar in northeastern Paris, where football fans followed the France-Romania game on several giant TVs.
There was no need to ask Elodie Grevet, who had France’s national colors painted on her cheeks, which team she was rooting for: "I’m supporting the Blue, the French team, and why? because I'm French."
Across the country, thousands packed giant fan zones, including one next to the Eiffel Tower.
But Parisian Jonathan Garcia said he prefers watching Euro 2016 at bars like this one -- with friends and a good beer.
Garcia said his heart is divided between Les Bleus and Spain’s national team, but he believes the French can win the championship.
But 59-year-old Rita Farivar has another team in mind ... Belgium ... but, then again, she’s from Brussels.
Like many fans, Farivar is wary about security, after the terrorist attacks that have hit her hometown and Paris in recent months.
"It’s tricky, because people are still a little bit afraid. I hear some people don’t go (to the games). The government is trying to do something, but you just have to cross fingers," she said.
