Sammaritano savours first chance

By David Farrelly

Frederic Sammaritano was surprised to be included in France coach Jean Gallice's plans for the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament, but the FC Nantes Atlantique winger is certainly making the most of his unexpected opportunity.

Late call-up
Sammaritano had not played any part – not even as an unused substitute - in the six qualifying matches as France became the only team to reach the finals in Northern Ireland with a perfect record. However, he was selected for friendly games against Benin and Nigeria in May and, having made the cut for the final squad, is keen to grasp his chance with both hands.

Unexpected inclusion
"This is my first tournament with the French national team," he admitted. "To be honest, I was surprised to be included in the first place, but I am trying to take my chance. I'm happy to see my hard work at Nantes being rewarded. I feel very proud. The squad have accepted me straight away, and we hope the results in the rest of the tournament will go our way so we come home happy."

Solid performer
The right-winger has impressed so far, producing a solid performance after being included in the starting lineup for France's opening match against England in Belfast. Although he then sat out the victory against Norway, Gallice made five changes to that team for the final group engagement against Armenia, and Sammaritano caught the coach's eye. "Sammaritano impressed me due to his quality and workrate," Gallice said. "He helped himself a lot when I consider what team to select against Germany in the semi-finals."

Rotation policy
Sammaritano provided the inswinging corner for Cedric Cambon to score the only goal against Armenia, but is quick to point out that France's objectives are more collective than individual. "We want to be champions of Europe and in order to do that there is a squad rotation in operation," he said. "We need to keep our energy in order to succeed."

Right at home
The 19-year-old admitted to feeling a modicum of pressure in the minutes leading up to kick-off against England, but feels he coped well with the occasion. "Of course there was a certain pressure, as it's always important to make a good start to the tournament," he said. "I'd only previously played two friendly matches for France in May, but I felt comfortable on the pitch and think I did well.

Standards set
"It is important that I play well so I continue to be considered," he went on. "Take the match against Armenia. France had already played and defeated them in the qualifying round in F.Y.R. Macedonia and some of the players involved in that match were playing again on Saturday. In a way they knew what to expect, but I was also aware - we study video tapes in the hotel to know as much about our opponents as we can. It all helps."

German reputation
Only Germany now stand between France and a final against either England or Serbia and Montenegro in Belfast next Friday, but Sammaritano is looking no further than the next game. "This team have played Germany before, but I do not know so much about them outside of their reputation," he conceded. "We have a style of play, I suppose you could say, and they may be a more physical team. But they also have style and it would be wrong to ignore that."