Bergeroo basks in team triumph

By Andrew Haslam in Châteauroux

France coach Philippe Bergeroo believes that teamwork was the solid foundation upon which his side's success in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship was based.

Late winner
The hosts ran out 2-1 winners against Spain at the Stade Gaston Petit, taking the lead in the opening seconds through Kévin Constant. Although Piqué headed Spain level midway through the second half, Samir Nasri scored the decisive goal in the final minute and Bergeroo was clear in the reasons for his team's triumph.

'Spirit decisive'
"We were well prepared, and this is a real team triumph," the French coach said after the game. "I think our team spirit proved decisive today. We came up against a very good Spanish team, perhaps the best in this tournament, but we worked hard and tactically we were very good."

Cautious words
Bergeroo continued. "I am delighted by the spirit of my team. There remains a lot of work to do, we are champions of Europe but this is a very young team. I would advise them to be careful of their environment and keep working hard."

Senior success
The France coach was a non-playing member of the senior side that lifted the 1984 UEFA European Championship on home soil when, in a remarkable parallel to this event, Portugal were defeated in the semi-finals before Spain were overcome in the final. "Then I was part of the group but I only took part in the celebrations!" he said. "This is another exceptional achievement."

Work ahead
Bergeroo was keen for this triumph to be seen as a new beginning, saying: "These players are only 17, there is a lot of work ahead of them. They are all quality players but they must not lose their creativity; they can learn other skills later."

Squad unity
The unity of his squad was echoed by Bergeroo's players. "This is enormous, a massive achievement," said striker Hatem Ben Arfa. "This gives us great hope for the future. This squad are good friends off the pitch, and this helps us on the pitch; there is no rivalry and that makes the difference. This is magnificent, and it hasn't yet sunk in."'

'Two years' work'
Goalkeeper Benoît Costil was equally circumspect in victory, adding: "It's fabulous, but I think we'll only realise what we have done later. This is the culmination of two years' work and it a great advertisement for our development, which is not yet finished. I never imagined I could feel like this."

'Group victory'
He added: "We faced a very good team who are very strong on the ball but this team is like a family and this is a group victory. We knew we had the quality to make the difference, and the ending was perfect."

'Extraordinary players'
Spain coach Juan Santisteban was understandably downbeat about seeing his side lose the final to the hosts for the second successive year, but remained dignified in defeat. "I want to congratulate France as they are a great team, and if I had the money, I would buy Jérémy Menez and Ben Arfa immediately," the Spain coach said. "They are both extraordinary players for their age and are technically very good. They were so important for France."

Overall satisfaction
Santisteban added: "I am very disappointed, because I do not think we deserved to lose. My players are naturally disappointed and crying, which is normal when you lose a final, and it's not the first time this has happened to us. But overall this has been a very good tournament, and I think it has benefited my players."