Happy hosts primed for Portugal

By Andrew Haslam in Blois

France are in buoyant mood ahead of their meeting with holders Portugal in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals.

Three victories
The tournament hosts have won all three games to date, defeating Northern Ireland 3-0 at the Stade Jean Leroi, the venue for the semi-final, before edging out 2003 finalists Spain at the same ground. Qualification, and first place in the section, was assured by Sunday's 2-1 win against Turkey in Amboise.

Late breakthrough
However, none of those victories were straightforward, with the first goal against a valiant Northern Irish side not arriving until the 73rd minute, substitute Karim Benzema breaking the deadlock before Hatem Ben Arfa and Franck Songo'o added a late gloss to the scoreline.

Spanish challenge
Marcos' own goal proved enough against Spain, although a skilful and vibrant Spanish side had a number of chances and might have taken at least a draw from the game.

Turkish test
On Sunday, Turkey largely controlled the majority of the first period and had several opportunities to score against a French side who struggled to get a foothold in the game with just Jérémy Menez up front and Ben Arfa among the substitutes.

Ben Arfa boost
However, the half-time introduction of the Olympique Lyonnais forward completely changed the game as Ben Arfa scored within 60 seconds to break the deadlock. Samir Nasri acknowledged the difference a second striker made, saying: "Playing with two up front was a lot easier as we have got used to playing that way over the past few months and it gives us a lot more options."

Home backing
Ben Arfa is likely to be back in the starting lineup for the semi-final and captain Steven Thicot agreed the side preferred playing with two strikers, saying: "With only one forward, it gives us less options from midfield and less space. Two forwards allow us to threaten more down the sides. Now we are in the semi-finals, we are playing in France and everyone is willing us on. Everyone is happy that we have succeeded so far."

Striking options
Together with Ben Arfa and Menez, Nasri has formed a skilful and vibrant forward line who will pose a real threat to the Portuguese defence. "We are very happy to have reached the semi-finals as that was our objective at the start of the tournament," said the Olympique de Marseille forward.

Packed houses
Unsurprisingly, France's games have drawn the biggest crowds, with 4,280 packing into the ground in Blois for the hosts' first game. Close to 5,000 spectators saw the win against Spain, before 5,460 fans crammed into the Stade Georges Boulogne for the match with Turkey.

Nervous fans
Such support is generally thought to give home sides a big lift, but coach Philippe Bergeroo believes it can work both ways. "Against Turkey, there was a big crowd and I like that support, but I sensed them getting a little nervous when we struggled a little," he said.

Initial aim
"But I am happy that we have qualified for the semi-finals because this is the first time that we have played a major tournament at home and we are now a little more familiar with pressure as well," Bergeroo continued. "Reaching the semi-finals was our first objective and we have now done that."

Powerful opposition
Another big crowd is assured for the match with the holders and Bergeroo believes the task has only just begun. "We are in the semi-finals, which is great as Spain and Turkey are two powerful countries," he said. "But we have to continue to work hard and enjoy our football."