French salute miracle men
Monday, June 14, 2004
Article summary
"A miraculous success" was how one paper put it after France started their campaign with a victory that recalled Rotterdam four years ago.
Article body
French nerves
As Le Parisien said: "We thought we'd seen and heard it all from the France team - they love to play with our nerves before bringing us pleasure." Pleasure was not a prominent word in the English, Swiss and Croatian newspapers today after yesterday's opening matches in Group B. uefa.com reviews the reaction.
France 2-1 England
Zidane was the man for France, reversing the long 1-0 lead of the English. Trapped by England's tactics and excellent defence, Les Bleus looked at times to be short of ideas and means, and simply powerless. Still, they preserved their mental energy and pushed the English into committing errors and they achieved a miraculous success. (Le Monde)
It was a Hitchcockian finish as France came through the shower curtain to thrust a dagger into English hearts. Leading through Frank Lampard's brilliantly executed 37th-minute headed goal, England should have clinched the game when Wayne Rooney won a penalty 18 minutes from time. David Beckham stepped up and saw it saved by his one-time team-mate Fabien Barthez. England hung on in the face of constant French pressure, into added time. Then Zinedine Zidane struck twice, punishing a brace of English lapses. Beckham left the field in tears. He was not alone. (The Independent)
Switzerland 0-0 Croatia
The quarter-finals or time to pack up? Following a draw with Croatia, Switzerland now must win against the two big football nations. The Swiss can be satisfied with their performance and above all their defence after keeping out the Croats despite Vogel's sending-off. For the quarter-finals to be more than a dream, though, the Swiss must now get their first victory - preferably against England who are now under huge pressure after the 2-1 defeat by France. (Blick)
Vogel was sent off in the 50th minute but for the rest of the match it was not clear which side had eleven men. Yesterday's game has practically ended any hopes of Croatia qualifying for the quarter-finals with France and England to come. After a result like this and such a performance it is almost impossible to believe that they have a chance of staying on in Portugal. (Vjesnik)
