A party regular summed up his tribe's diplomatic dilemma in these memorable words (interspersed by much clicking of tongue): ``What if the French lose? and would it look good if I attend Blanchenaso's buffet and then hop over to the Brazilians?''

For those who did not want to get embroiled in a cross-cultural snafu, Maurya Sheraton provided an easy escape. The five-star's ballroom has been done up to recreate the drive from the Arc d'Triomphe via the Champs d'Elysees to the Stade d'France through open Kamal Mahal for an all-nighter complete with a lavish spread put together by executive chef Gev Desai.

For other party animals, there was a giant screen at Someplace Else (The Park) and Mirage (Surya Best Western) vying for attention. The PR casualty, clearly, was the dance competition at Annabelles, the discotheque at The Inter-Continental, though many non-soccer-type couples did show up to boogey the night away.

Ambassador Blanchenaso pulled-off a coup by inviting a shaadi ka band and an elephant draped in the French tri-colour to entertain a guest list that included his American counterpart Richard Celeste, Austrian Ambassador Herbert Traxl, Finance Commission Chairman A.M. Khusro as well as leading social fixtures like hotelier Francis Wacziarg, Moet Hennessey's India representative Tikka Shatrujit Singh and veteran film critic Aruna Vasudev.

The French women at the do, sported bindis in the national tri-colour and ensured that the men followed suit, which they did dutifully, though many of them were secretly rooting for Brazil. And as the evening progressed, the spirits were high, courtesy an endless supply of Gigondas 1995 to wash down Blanchemaison's fabled cheese.

But clearly, the Brazilian Embassy was the place to be and most of the city did land up there to enjoy the match. For once, security concerns were discarded and the doors thrown open for anybody who wanted to come and enjoy the Brazilian hospitality and the match. The faces of all guests, before they entered, were painted green and yellow, the colours of the Brazilian flag and bandanas with `Viva Brazil' and `Brazil' emblazoned handed to them.

The auditorium, with a capacity to seat 150-odd people was brimming with 400 guests who were busy guzzling beer and soaking in the atmosphere. Spirits were high and the Indian support for their team was visible, as one guest pointed out, by the number of cars parked outside. Merle Faminow, a Canadian national married to a Brazilian diplomat said: ``Brazil is the best and they are going to win tonight. That's why I married a Brazilian.''

However, Doordarshan proved to be a spoilsport and almost everyone was seen complaining about the poor reception and the commentary which was exclusively in Hindi. It was later decided by consensus that they would switch over to PTV to enjoy the show.

At Maurya, the guests were treated to a ringside view of the match. A miniature field complete with goal posts had been created to transport the guests to the stadium. Seated around the field, viewers could enjoy the match on the two giant screens set up for the occasion.

Clearly enjoying himself, Jaggi Malhotra, national executive, Lockheed, said: ``I'm here because all my friends are here and football is a game to enjoy with friends. Though I'm not rooting for anyone in particular, I'm the family punter and there is a lot of sympathy for France here.''

A lavish spread of French and Brazilian delicacies with a touch of the Mexican was laid out for the guests, many of whom were busy playing Fusballe (miniature football) before the match began.

Grinning happily Peter Healy, trade commissioner, New Zealand High Commission said: ``Delhi is a great city and I'm having a lot of fun here. I'm rooting for France because my daughter is studying there.''