Balde making the grade

By David Farrelly

France coach Jean Gallice included only two players who did not feature in the 2004/05 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying competition in his 18-man squad for the final round - and the contribution of Abdoulaye Balde and Frederic Sammaritano has ensured that the trust invested in them has been repaid in full.

Key contributions
Sammaritano created the goal that booked France's place in the last four when his corner allowed Cedric Cambon to nod in to secure a 1-0 success against Armenia in the final round of Group B games. Even more telling, though, has been Balde's input as he sets about making up for lost time and leaving his mark in Northern Ireland.

Friendly success
"I was involved in two friendlies for France before this tournament," said the Amiens SC striker, who came into the finals after an impressive 2004/05 campaign for his club. "I played against Benin and Nigeria, scoring in the 3-2 win against the former, and I must have convinced the coaches enough to trust in me."

Three times on target
Balde scored twice in the 3-2 semi-final victory against Germany on Tuesday night to take his tally for the tournament to three. Perhaps more significantly, his other strike came on the opening day, against final opponents England, to earn a 1-1 draw at The Oval.

Overall objective
On Friday evening he will be looking to find the net across Belfast at Windsor Park, but believes personal glory comes second to the overall team performance. "I wouldn't say the goals I have scored in the finals have come as a surprise, more as reward," the 18-year-old told uefa.com. "It's not my objective to be the top scorer in the competition, I want this team as a whole to be European champions. That's what we all want."

Individual tussles
Balde prefers to consider the collective, but recognises that in facing England again, he and his team-mates will need to focus more sharply on their direct opponents in one-on-one situations. "Germany were physical opponents and we had to respond to that," he said. "England will be more difficult as we need to concentrate on the individual duels. We have already played them but I don't mind facing them again. I don't really care who we play in the final. We want to beat the best in order to be European champions, regardless of who they are."

Window of opportunity
Stade Rennais FC midfielder Yohan Gourcuff created both of Balde's goals against Germany, and sees the window of opportunity opening for several of his international colleagues. "For my career, of course this is important," he said. "It's also important for my reputation at the club, as being a European champion can only help. But for some of the other players, especially those playing for second division clubs in France, this is an opportunity they are looking to take."

Breakthrough campaign
These comments are particularly relevant to Balde, who plys his trade with Amiens in Ligue 2. Seven goals from eleven starts made 2004/05 his breakthrough campaign and reflected his burgeoning reputation in France. His three strikes in Northern Ireland have brought him to wider attention, but for now, the forward is happy to let his goals do the talking.

Gradual evolution
"Amiens is great, it's a great training centre," he said. "I played 15 matches in total last season and scored seven goals. I have gained more experience playing for France, but I am looking to evolve little by little."