So the fall out continues from the horrible Euro campaign. I have not even had a chance to put my thoughts down about the continuation of the Domenech era.....needless to say I am not thrilled. However what I want to highlight today is the latest news of another 1998er that will be retiring from international football as well as the great Lilian Thuram.
Lilian Thuram: The iron man of Les Bleus with a record 142 caps. He has a World Cup title, World Cup runner up and European cup title to his name. Thuram was arguably the best right back in the world during France's glory run from 1998 - 2000 and with Lizarazu, Desailly and Blanc formed one of the strongest back four in football. He continued to be a force when France
won the "double" by winning the Euros in 2000. Subsequently he switched to center back and, for me, was one of the reasons France was able to proceed to the finals in 2006. He was the man of the match in the semi finals against Portugal. During that game it was clear that his guile and experience were world class. This was an interesting parallel to what I would consider his other sublime game - semi finals of the 1998 world cup. Against Croatia in Paris, Thuram was the Lilian in his prime. Strong defending, pacey, tough tackler, and for a bonus scored a brace (his only 2 goals for France!) to send Les Bleus to the finals. I will always remember seeing him "strike a pose" after scoring an improbable left footed goal from the edge of the penalty box. That game demonstrated how influential a right back can be to a game from a defending stand point and from an energy level. And most noticeably how energetic he would be in singing the Marseillaise, that would always get me fired up!History will judge Lilian as one of the games greatest players and best right backs football has ever seen. I hope that he will be fine and his heart condition will not force him to retire from football entirely as well as ensure he lives a long and fruitful retirement. He is a huge asset to the game but to society in general, he is one athlete who has a genuine concern for his fellow citizen and society. Merci Lilian for what you have done for Les Blues and Merci for what you will do after football.
David Trezeguet: The Franco-Argentine recently announced his retirement from international football, which was no surprise to anyone that follows Les Bleus. The retirement was not due to a drop in form or health, Trezegol remains one of the deadliest snipers in Serie A. Yet he has not been high on the list of favorites for Domenech since the manager has been at the reigns of Les Bleus.
The system France has been playing, for some reason, does not lend itself to a player of Trezegol's style. Which I disagree with....but that is what Domenech believes. Not to rant, but I will, when Domenech brought in Gomis during the Holland game he stated he wanted Gomis to be a "pivot" crosses and passes to go to him and to be redistributed on wing players. Um last time I checked Gomis is more of the mold of a striker that runs at defenses a la Henry, Benzema, Cisse...Trezeguet is a true pivot. He plays within the 18 yard box. He has a superior aerial game, therefore can channel the ball - 2 examples of that 1998 first knock out game of the world cup against Paraguay chip from Pires head down by Trezegol to an on rushing Blanc for the winning goal the second was end of regulation in the 2000 Euro finals, long free kick from Barthez to the top of the Italian 18 yard box where Trezegol deftly headed down the ball to the on rushing Wiltord who scored the famous tying goal against the Azzurri. Goals aside, because end of the day he was called Trezegol for a reason, but Trezeguet brings so much more to a team allowing it to play a different style of game. Too bad Domenech refuses to buy into this. I have written this before but I will reiterate my sentiments, Trezegol is one of the greatest strikers that has worn the French stripe. I will always remember his stepping up and taking a penalty kick against Italy in the 1998 1/4 finals as a 20 year old on the biggest stage and of course his golden goal against the same Italians in the Euro 2000 finals. Unlike, as it appears Domenech does, I do not hold the 2006 World Cup penalty kick loss at Trezeguet's feet. That match should never have gotten to penalties. I am sad to see Trezegol leave, he still has a lot to give to any club and team. I will enjoy watching him ply his trade for many more years at Juve, I am sad that he will not bring that skill to Les Bleus.I realize that Sagnol and Makelele also called it quits, and at some point I will type some thoughts on both these players who have also been outstanding players for Les Bleus. This post is about 2 players from the 1998 generation.
Merci Lilian
Merci David
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