Did you know? In 1998, on the sidelines of the Football World Cup in France, the mobile phone boom also took place. More than 11 million people in France are now walking with a handset not connected to a wall outlet. The 2G network is not exceptional outside the big cities and the capacity of the batteries left – already – to be desired. The 98 world champion Christian Karembeu paid the price.
In the last So footballthe defensive midfielder tells how he lost contact with his mother during the coronation of the Blues at the expense of Brazil (3-0), on July 12, 1998 at the Stade de France. As expected, Aimé Jacquet went from her 4-2-3-1 used in the first round and against Paraguay (1-0, AP) to 4-3-2-1 defensive from the quarter-finals. The Real Madrid player was associated with Didier Deschamps and Emmanuel Petit in the midfield against Italy (0-0, Tab: 3-4), then against Croatia (2-1) and facing Seleçao.
Christian Karembeu against the Denilson dribbler during the France-Brazil final in 1998.
Karembeu had invited his mother and one of his aunts. At 2-0, the two sisters left the stands, looking for a tea! “Because that's it, real life, little things. And they have not changed, even if they find themselves in a large stadium and even if it is the World Cup final. So they come out. The problem is that with the jubilation of victory, we no longer find them. They are missing! »»he says in So football.
Karembeu's mother not found
The Caledonian trained at FC Nantes has a memorable party with its teammates and the team staff, on the Saint-Denis field, in the locker room then on the bus leading to Clairefontaine. “A few minutes later, my brother called me: 'Listen, we lost mom!', 'Sorry?' I can't even go back, I'm on the bus, there is the escort and everything … I say to myself: 'But who will I call? The police? '
»»he continues.
Christian Karembeu recounts the (happy) end of the anecdote:
“And there, I receive an unknown number call. I pick up. 'Hello, are you well Mr. Karembeu? I am the boss of a coffee in Saint-Denis. Is there your mother who … but are you well Karembeu? – Well yes, it's good Christian Karembeu! – Ahhhh, congratulations! 'he makes me: 'Don't worry, I take care of your mother. The whole family is welcome! ' »More fear than harm, therefore.
