France: Euro 2012 preview

Allez Les Bleus! For years, the French National Team was known for underachieving.  When the great Michel Platini came along they finally lifted their first major trophy on home soil at Euro 1984.  In spite of Platini’s talent, they were unable to achieve world dominance.  With the emergence of the legendary Zinedine Zidane, the French ran over Europe like the armies of Napoleon conquering everything in its path.  After defeating a great Brazil team
to win the 1998 World Cup, they followed up with a European Championship in 2000.  They appeared unbeatable until an unfortunate injury struck Zidane in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.  Zidane’s absence displayed French weaknesses that were hidden by his immense talent.  The French were exposed as a group of talented individuals who were mediocre as a team.  This theme continued and was magnified at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, in which he single-handedly guided them to the final.  His retirement after that game set off a downward spiral that culminated in 2010 and led us to the present situation.

The behavior of Les Bleus in South Africa was appalling.  The attempted coup led by Nicolas Anelka could not be made up. With the team’s refusal to practice, I think the players should have been suspended for many years before having the privilege of representing their country.  Their first round exit was a disgrace.  Fortunately, the French had an ideal candidate to replace the maligned Raymond Domenech as manager.  Laurent Blanc, the former player who had an instrumental role in France’s 1998 World Cup team, was chosen to lead France back from the abyss.  Blanc displayed his coaching abilities with a successful stint at Bordeaux of the French League. 

When Blanc took charge, he immediately sent a message by suspending all 23 players from his first game as manager.  The move worked and he spent the next two years restoring chemistry and pride to the French side as they went through qualifying with a near perfect record.

Blanc’s ability to mold team chemistry may yield impressive results when combined with the talented squad he possesses.  The French have players that most teams dream of having.  Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery is an absolute force to deal with in the midfield.  Manchester City’s Samir Nasri is a very skillful player who can locate seams in an opponent’s defense.  Chelsea’s Florent Malouda can wreak havoc along the left flank.  In addition, Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema is already the prolific striker they knew he would be at a tender age.  France’s star defenders, Manchester City’s Gael Clichy and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, are no strangers to big games and provide a strong foundation in the back.

If one word were to describe Les Bleus it is…athletic.  They are perhaps the most athletic team in the tournament containing plenty of speed, and strength.  This is the beginning of a recipe for success even without a Zidane who can bring everything together.  They have the makings of team that can play with anyone in the world, and they have proved it with their record over the past eighteen months.  Blanc will have to provide great coaching, not only tactically, but mentally like Jose Mourinho.

He must instill in them the confidence that they can win and have them believe in each other.  The chemistry that existed on the late 90s French teams is being re-created.  The question is whether it will happen soon enough.

Prediction: Blanc leads them out of the group stage, but no farther.  If they play Spain in the quarterfinals then they will go home.  If they avoid Spain they could make their way into the semi-finals, but it is not likely.  This is a young team, and it is the beginning of Blanc’s reorganization.  ‘The Marseillaise’ will not be sung when the tournament ends.  They will take this as a learning experience and nothing teaches more than defeat.  The good news is that Blanc is injecting youth into the squad, and turning the page from negative post-Zidane era.  By the time 2014 rolls around they will be ready to make a run at the World Cup.