|
France not taking Croatia lightly
Coach, players respect job done by debutant nation
Posted: Tuesday July 07, 1998 11:50 AM
| |
The French team has never been to a World Cup final (AP) |
CLAIREFONTAINE, France (AP) --
In no way is France underestimating Croatia for
Wednesday's World Cup semifinal. Coach Aime Jacquet says he's been in awe
of the Balkan team for two years. Ever since Croatia made its
international debut at the 1996 European Championships, where it reached
the quarterfinals, Jacquet has witnessed the steady ascendance that
propelled the debutant into the World Cup semifinal. "I've been
watching them with a very keen eye since Euro '96. Two years later, they
are better performing, better balanced and more experienced," said Jacquet.
And the upward line is also evident at the World Cup. After starting
slowly against Jamaica and Japan, and even
losing to Argentina,
there has been no stopping the Croatians. They won 1-0 against Romania, but
the world really first took notice when they sank the German juggernaut 3-0
last week. "A result like that needed no comment whatsoever," said Jacquet.
"We've seen a team that has really responded to the challenge," said
Jacquet. French captain Didier Deschamps played under Miroslav
Blazevic at FC Nantes a decade ago, well before the coach took over the
national team of Croatia. "He has given the team rigor and a
defensive block that only took two goals so far. He gave it a good balance
between defense and attack," Deschamps said. Deschamps also warned
against Blazevic's psychological warfare, saying, "He can be a charmer and
put you to sleep that way." Blazevic has repeatedly proclaimed that
France is his personal World Cup favorite. Deschamps also had
first-hand experience at Nantes of his motivational strength, so much in
evidence in the tightly-knit Croatian team. "He has a great way of
instilling faith and a hunger for victory," he said. Blazevic's time
spent in France also gave him great insight into the workings of French
soccer. "He knows our mentality well," said Jacquet.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
