Italy 5, France 3, as Seen from City Hall Plaza

Bostonist has decried the tremendous ugliness and lack of utility of City Hall Plaza before, but for once, this Sunday, it served a worthwhile purpose: The World Cup's final match, between France and (hometown favorite) Italy was shown on a massive screen for thousands of people. We watched most of the game there, and can attest that the view of the screen was remarkably good from most everywhere (Toddler Bostonist, who accompanied us, insisted on roaming far and wide) and the atmosphere was electric. Here are some pictures (click on them for larger images).

From top to bottom: A view of the whole crowd; two shots of people watching the game (in the first picture, you can actually see a France fan, in white tank top and jeans at the center of the shot); premature jubilation when Italy scores a goal that is ultimately no good because of an off-sides call; real jubilation when Italy wins on penalty kicks.