HS fan zone: Best spots in Vallila's giant viewing area taken long before Spain and France clash

Helsinki's Vallila district buzzed with anticipation as fans flocked to an outdoor viewing area to watch the FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain. The red brick industrial setting was adorned with the colors of both nations for the Tuesday evening match, which kicked off at 10 p.m. Finnish time.

Supporters arrived hours before the game, with the best seats on the outdoor terraces already claimed by 8 p.m. Catriana Diaz Barrie, who is half-Spanish, arrived two hours early with family and friends to cheer for Spain. Her group was among those who had secured prime spots, even as ice hockey played on the screen earlier in the evening.

Joel Nurmi, however, was one of the few in a French jersey earlier in the evening, having supported France since the Zinedine Zidane era. He expressed strong confidence in France's victory, anticipating a revenge match following their loss to Spain in a European Championship semifinal two years prior. Stina Nurmi, who accompanied Joel, supported Spain but acknowledged France's strong chances.

French residents Thomas Drouault and Antoine Madre also found good seats, having arrived with other French friends. Drouault found the matchup interesting and noted that July 14th, France's national day, added extra motivation for the team. "We'd better win," he stated, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the day.

Despite the early arrivals, some, like German brothers Sebastian Lindner and Tim Lindner, along with Eevi Sjöholm, arrived shortly after 9 p.m. and found no space left in the crowded outdoor viewing area, expressing surprise at the turnout.