Les Bleus honored in Paris the day after loss in final

Thousands of fans braved soaring temperatures to honor the national team Monday, a day after Les Bleus were defeated by Italy in a World Cup final that had a shocking end to the captain's illustrious career.
Fans of all ages gathered under a punishing sun at the elegant Place de la Concorde to pay homage to the team and bid farewell to retiring Zinedine Zidane -- sent off from his last-ever match after head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
Earlier, French President Jacques Chirac also thanked the team, which lost in a penalty shootout 5-3.
"France loves and admires you," Chirac said in a speech before lunching with the players and their wives at the presidential Elysee Palace.
"At such a level of competition, as we all know, winning or losing depends on so little that it is not what counts," said Chirac, who had attended Sunday's final in Berlin.
The president had special words of consolation for Zidane, a national idol whose last act as a soccer player shocked fans and threatened to tarnish his reputation.
Chirac ensured Zidane that he had France's respect.
"You are a virtuoso, a genius of world football," Chirac said. "You are also a man of heart, commitment, conviction. That's why France admires and loves you."
Many of the team's supporters seemed to agree.
According to the Paris police, some 15,000 people -- many carrying signs that read "Zidane we love you" -- packed the square in front of the Hotel de Crillon for a last glimpse at Zidane and his teammates.
They chanted Zidane's nickname -- "Zizou" -- calling the now-retired captain to take his place at the hotel's second-story balcony, which was draped with a giant blue jersey.
But in spite of the fans' insistence, Zidane made only a brief appearance, waving and taking a humble bow before he ducked out of sight.
Zidane -- who shot to stardom during the 1998 World Cup that France won on its home turf -- was expected to explain himself in the coming days.
Some fans insisted that Zidane should apologize.
"For the sake of the kids that adore him, he needs to say he's sorry," said Beatrice Marechaud, 35, a still-life photographer, who said she turned out to cheer the team's other players. "It's really too bad for him to end his career this way."
Others in the crowd said they expected that Zidane's career would outshine his final ugly gesture.
"He had so many magical moments, I don't think that people are going to remember this negative one," said Regis Bernard, a 32-year-old salesman, who shouted when Zidane made his appearance.
Fans cheered when David Trezeguet appeared on the balcony. But Trezeguet, whose missed penalty cost France the match, broke down in tears. Striker Thierry Henry comforted him with a bear hug.