FRANCE FOOTBALL - Page 7 - TalkSoccer

TO DEVILS · 17-11-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

France pleased to gain revenge over Greece

PARIS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - World Cup runners-up France were happy to gain revenge for their Euro 2004 defeat when they rounded off an eventful year with a 1-0 win over Greece in a low-key friendly on Wednesday.

Les Bleus needed a first-half goal by striker Thierry Henry to get past Otto Rehhagel's side, who beat France 1-0 in the quarter-finals in Portugal en route to winning the 2004 European championship.

'It feels good to have won this match because maybe we had a little revenge,' winger Florent Malouda told reporters after the game.

Coach Raymond Domenech said: 'Winning a game against the European champions is not easy. I would have been happier if we had scored more goals but sometimes you have to be content with what you have.'.

The France coach believed the game was more a preparation for next year's Euro 2008 qualifiers than a conclusion to 2006.

'This year was marked by the World Cup final,' he said. 'Then, everything that happened before we got there is just an episode. To me, 2006 ended on July 9. After that, we moved on to 2008.'

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele, who was rested in the second half after being substituted for Olympique Lyon's Alou Diarra, said: 'I will only keep good memories from 2006. Today, this team has a true identity.'

Retired playmaker Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in the World Cup final defeat for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, received a standing ovation from the Stade de France on Wednesday in a tribute to the World Cup and European championship-winning players of 1998 and 2000.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...392118&cc=5901

Magical20 · 19-11-2006, 02:04 PM

ahh i miss zizou...

**bandini** · 19-11-2006, 07:37 PM

It's sad to think that one day some young kids will think of that last game because that's what they'll remember him by.

TO DEVILS · 19-11-2006, 08:08 PM

He can only blame himself for that.

**bandini** · 19-11-2006, 08:21 PM

I know. In such an important game you have to set aside emotions and think about the game itself. The name on the front of the shirt is more important than the name on the back of this shirt!

TO DEVILS · 19-11-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandini

I know. In such an important game you have to set aside emotions and think about the game itself. The name on the front of the shirt is more important than the name on the back of this shirt!

He let the emotions and the player get in his head. I am sure he regrets to leave the world stage on that note.

Magical20 · 21-11-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandini

It's sad to think that one day some young kids will think of that last game because that's what they'll remember him by.

that wont happen.. it'll work in his favour.. ppl will remember him BECAUSE of that.. in 30 years they'll here something about a head butt .. go check it out and be amazed by zinadine

(always look at the bright side of life !

Zidane et Trezeguet ! (8) )

Magical20 · 21-11-2006, 02:51 PM

am i seriously the only one who doesnt think its that bad ?! .. the guy made a mistake.. it was entertaining but a shame for france to lose it like this i guess.. but still it doesnt change my perspective of him.. i'll always remember his play :d he'll always be my french nr 1 (there isnot nr2 tbh!)

**SOMOSBENFICA** · 07-12-2006, 11:57 PM

Hopefully, the national team coaching staff was watching match day 6...A few key players really showed they belong on the National team. Bodmer, Squillaci, and Giuly had amazing games.

**D-Kin** · 12-12-2006, 11:59 AM

Reading's Ibrahima Sonko is desperate for a call-up as he could end up playing for Senegal instead.

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...769640,00.html