France realise local team's dreams

Imposing figures
With France's starting XI enjoying a rest after their meeting with Romania the night before, a 45-minute practice match was organised between the remainder of the squad and an Under-18 side taken from local clubs Neuchâtel Xamax FC and FC Fribourg. Fans and journalists attending training feared for the youthful Swiss team as the imposing figures of Henry and Bafetimbi Gomis kicked off – yet they need not have worried.

Frey save
The youngsters equipped themselves well and might even have taken the lead when their lively striker Yannick Da Costa had a curling shot brilliantly tipped over by Sébastien Frey. "I thought it was in," a smiling Da Costa told euro2008.com. "Against any other keeper, it was a goal." As expected, Les Bleus took control, scoring seven times without reply, but the scoreline could not take the gloss off an unforgettable day. "It's a big dream that's come true," said the 17-year-old Da Costa, whose role model is Henry. "It was such a pleasure to play with them. I was quite daunted at first – I didn't realise how big they are. But you learn a lot from playing with stars."

Domenech pleased
France coach Raymond Domenech later said he was pleased his men were given more than just a gentle workout, with the back four of François Clerc, Sébastien Squillaci, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Patrice Evra all tested. "It was so tough to play against players like that," Da Costa said. "A lot of my runs came to nothing. We've got a lot to learn, but right now I'm going to get some autographs and Patrice Evra's shirt, as he said he'd swap with me."

'Quite stressful'
Da Costa was not the only player in dreamland at the final whistle. Goalkeeper Mike Piller still appeared in shock after saving one-on-ones from Henry and Gomis. "It's quite stressful when you see Henry coming towards you," he said. "We've seen what they can do on TV and we wondered if we'd be alright." A broad smile filled his face when asked about his impressive stop from Gomis. "I moved a bit to the left and tried to show him the right side of the goal," he explained. "I thought he'd shoot across me and I dived the right way."

'Great memories'
Thanks to their good organisation and some promising performances, the local side were certainly not humiliated and every player seemed thrilled to have had the chance to measure themselves against some of the best in the world. "My head is full of great memories," Piller enthused. "It was a magnificent gesture from France. I'm really pleased to have had this experience."