France aim to repeat 2004 triumph
Wednesday 29 April 2009
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France's current squad are hoping to emulate the class of 2004 (©fff.fr)
France went into last year's UEFA European Under-17 Championship as many people's favourites to take the title, but their dreams were shattered by a 4-0 loss to Spain in the final. This time around, Les Mini-Bleus go into the tournament led by coaches with previous experience of winning the competition – and of beating Spain.
Winning team
France won as hosts with a talented crop of players in 2004, the likes of Karim Benzema, Hatem Ben Arfa and Samir Nasri helping set up victories over Spain in both the group stage and the showpiece match. Philippe Bergeroo was in charge for that triumphant campaign and the reserve goalkeeper in France's 1984 UEFA European Championship final win against Spain has returned to the U17 helm for the first time since, hoping for a repeat success at the finals in Germany between 6 and 18 May. His side have been drawn in Group A alongside Switzerland, with whom they drew 1-1 in August, Italy and holders Spain.
'Outsiders'
Assisting with coaching duties will be Pascal Rohn, who shouldered Bergeroo five years ago and will be on the bench again in Germany. The number two nonetheless played down the significance of the duo's record against Spain at this level. "It isn't a special rivalry," Rohn told uefa.com. "It is just that it will be hard as Spain and Italy are the favourites in this group and France and Switzerland are the outsiders. We lost a friendly against Italy a few months ago, but since then we have put together a new team."
Team unit
Although there is plenty of talent in their rejigged lineup, including goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and defender Alassane Tambe, Rohn is keen to point out the differences with the class of 2004. "Compared to the generation we had with Benzema, Ben Arfa and Nasri, this is a bit of a different squad – more of a team rather than individuals," Rohn said. "We will have a different approach and we hope the players will be able to play in this way."
Big crowd
The 2004 final attracted 13,000 spectators, a competition record that has stood for five years but seems certain to be broken in Germany, where matches are being played at times when school parties can attend. France's group stage games will kick off at 11.00 or noon, and the German Football Association (DFB) has already sold 18,000 tickets for the final in Magdeburg, which gets underway on the morning of Monday 18 May. "It is a high motivation to play in a full stadium," Rohn added. "When it happens in Germany with the DFB it is always an excellent tournament – excellent organisation – just like in France a few years ago. I hope there will be a great atmosphere."
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