New Addition: Preparations of a Host (or Defending Champion)-Part One (France 1982/84)-Part a (Fall 1982)

A new addition about the Preparations of teams for a Tournamrnt that they do not need to qualify (because either they are hosts or defending Champions).

Following the 1982 World Cup, France set out to prepare for the 1984 UEFA European Championships that they were to host.

They had just finished an excellent World Cup campaign only ended with the heartbreak of a penalty kick shoot-out in Seville vs. West Germany (and all the drama surrounding that match).

Given their performance at the World Cup, they were in a position where they could legitimately view themselves as favorites.

Their Captain Michel Platini had also moved into another stratosphere by joining the mighty Juventus in the Serie A.

Michel Hidalgo, France’s Manager since 1976, was tasked with this objective before retiring in 1984 following the Euros.

He had been promoted to Technical Ditrector of the National Team and logically could have stepped aside, but the Federation insisted upon him to stay in place with Henri Michel taking over in 1984.

Hidalgo himself felt that he was still needed and his job was not yet finished.

He could build upon France’s success at the World Cup. However, he also had to think in long term (the following two years and beyond) and gradually introduce younger players into the fold. He also had to discard (gradually or otherwise) some of the older elements, who probably would not last until 1984.

Photo From: L'Annee du Football, 1984

(France Manager Michel Hidalgo)

I. 1982/83 season (Fall 1982)

Preparatory Friendly match Number 1-Poland (August 31, 1982, Paris)

France’s first friendly of the season was against Poland, whom they had faced in their very last match during the World Cup in the Third Place Match (July 11^th, 1982, Poland 3-France 2).

Traditionally the French National Team opened its season against a club side with a Gala Match for U.N.F.P (Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels).

For this season, France chose to play a National side (many felt because in the previous year, 1981, vs. VfB Stuttgart (1-3 France loss), Michel Platini had been jeered to the point that he had to be substitued off).

There were players from the old guard that were no longer considered for selection.

These included Paris St Germain veteran goalkeeper Dominique Baratelli (angered at Hidalgo for not starting at the World Cup), defender Christian Lopez (recently transfered from St Etienne to Toulouse) and midfielder Jean-François Larios (discarded during the World Cup following the scandal involving Mrs. Platini).

Hidalgo was further hampered by the unavailability of many of his regulars.

Michel Platini was retained at Juventus, as was Didier Six at Stuttgart.

Bordeaux’s Alain Giresse and Bernard Lacombe were not released by the club as they had a prestigious friendly set up vs. Real Madrid.

Bruno Bellone and Dominique Rocheteau had to withdraw due to injuries, along with Patrick Battiston still recovering from his injury from Harald Schumacher’s challenge during the World Cup.

Antoni Piechniczek’s Polish squad also had retirements and withdrawals to contend with. Zbigniew Boniek, Platini’s teammate at Juventus was similarly not released. Veterans such as Grzegorz Lato and Andrzej Szarmach had retired from International play after the World Cup.

Starting goalkeeper Jozsef Mlynarczyk had withdrawn from this match, while regulars such as Wladyslaw Zmuda, Marek Dziuba, Waldemar Matysik and Andrzej Iwan were all out injured. “

The withdrawals within the French camp allowed Hidalgo to select uncapped players such as Monaco midfielder Dominique Bijotat and Auxerre’s rising young midfielder Jean-Marc Ferreri.

Unfortunately, the crowd was not as enthusiastic and only little over 16,000 spectators attended this match (that was not even televised live).

Hidalgo stated objectives were to further build on the success and goodwill of 1982 World Cup, as well as to introduce young players. He also wanted to forge a winning mentality to triumph at the Euros.

Before the match, Hidalgo stated he “would have preferred to have the World Cup squad, not only to defend our image but also make this a party with the public but absences forced us to make experiments that would be beneficial…interesting to see Bijotat, Stopyra, Delamontagne and most likely Ferreri after the break… “.

France deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Tigana was the organizer in midfield, Bijotat (earning his first cap) as defensive midfielder and Delamontagne on the right wing.

For the first quarter-hour France were good as Tigana commanded the midfield. However, it would all soon fall apart. In the 28^th minute, an error by the normally reliable Marius Tresor, led to Jalocha to open the scoring.

Poland grew in confidence and were faster and better.

At halftime, Jean-Marc Ferreri replaced Bijotat to earn his first cap. Phillipe Mahut also replaced Maxime Bossis due to an injury.

The Stopper Gerard Janvion moved to Bossis’ left back spot and Mahut took Janvion’s spot in central defense.

France fell apart in this half, as they hardly strung a couple of passes together.

Poland scored twice through Janusz Kupcewicz in two minutes (61st minute, 62nd minute) to kill off the match.

In the 68th minute, Poland scored its fourth through a penalty kick by Andrzej Buncol.

From the French, only Tigana, Bossis and the debutant Ferreri came away with any credit.

France’s goalkeeper, Jean-Luc Ettori, already under pressure after his suspect performances during the World Cup had a nightmare of a match. He was constantly booed by the French crowd. Many felt the crowd (Paris fans) not only blamed him for the World Cup, but also maybe because he had supplanted Baratelli (PSG goalkeeper) in the World Cup.

After the match, Hidalgo said ”it’s a false start…..this does not tarnish our image in the world…it s just as dangerous to magnify a win as it it is to overdramatize a defeat…  the players who were the worst today were also the best at the World Cup, we must not have short memory and forget Spain (the World Cup)… after there is such mobilization for such a long duration (the World Cup) such consequqeneces are possible… ”

He also stressed the absences of Platini, Giresse,  ”who bring stability” to their game.

The much maligned Jean-Luc Ettori said ”I accept all the advantages and  disadvantages of playing for the National Team including the jeers. …I am not discouraged and will return if called upon.. ”

He would never play for France again.

Ferreri did enough to earn a recall, but Bijotat would not play again for France under Hidalgo (though he would play for France many years later) and instead would be part of Henri Michel’s Olympics squad.

Patrick Delamontagne would also not play again under Hidalgo, but would gain a final cap in 1987.

Date: August 31, 1982

Competition: Friendly (Gala Match for U.N.F.P.)

Venue: Paris -Parc des Princes

Attendance: 16,000

France 0-Poland 4 (Jan Jalocha 28, Janusz Kupcewicz 61, 62, Andrzej Buncol 68 pen)

France: Jean-Luc Ettori, Manuel Amoros, Gerard Janvion, Marius Tresor (captain), Maxime Bossis (Philippe Mahut 46^th), Patrick Delamontagne, Dominique Bijotat (Jean-Marc Ferreri 46^th), Jean Tigana, Bernard Genghini, Yannick Stopyra (Daniel Bravo 69^th), Gerard Soler

Note:

1-In Bold, new caps.

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 16, 1983

(Bernard Genghini deputizing Platini as the number 10, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 16, 1983

(Jean-Marc Ferreri’s debut for France, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 81, September 1982

(Janusz Kupcewicz scoring Poland’s second, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Photo From: Le Livre d’or du Football 1983

(Jean-Luc Ettori unable to stop Janusz Kupcewicz’s third goal, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1939, June 7, 1983

(Jean Tigana and Jean-Luc Ettori at the end of the match, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 81, September 1982

(Jean-Luc Ettori’s last match, August 31, 1982, France 0-Poland 4)

Preparatory Friendly match Number 2-Hungary (October 6, 1982, Paris)

France’s second friendly of the season was against Hungary. France were eager to erase the memory of the previous drubbing vs. Poland.

Before the Match, Hidalgo said, “we must forget Poland... There will be highs and lows….this is the real start of our season…the season is well underway and the physically and psychological preparation is over.. we must forge ahead”.

Hidalgo was able to select a near full strength squad this time, including Platini, Giresse and Didier Six.

This was the proper homecoming for the 1982 World Cup squad.

The key players missing were Manuel Amoros, Patrick Battiston (not fully recovered) and Dominique Rocheteau.

Nantes defender Thierry Tusseau, who had been last capped years before, earned a recall.

Maxime Bossis would start as right back to cover for Amoros. Mahut would start in central defense with Marius Tresor.

The World Cup midfield quartet was in place with Platini, Giresse, Tigana and Genghini.

The novelty was upfront, where the debutant Laurent Roussey of St Etienne was set to start as the new number nine.

Jean Castaneda started in goal in place of Ettori as Hidalgo chose to alternate goalkeepers.

Hidalgo was insistent that the door was not closed on Ettori. He said, “Ettori has my full confidence and I will not cede to popular pressure..other goalkeepers have made mistakes”.

France played in a 4-3-3 formation with Platini as the second striker and Giresse as the midfield organizer and Tigana as defensive midfielder.

Once again the attendance (15, 777, even less than the Poland match) left a lot to be desired. In fact, there was even discussion afterwards whether France should play its matches in the provinces away from Paris.

France had many chances against a Hungarian side that did not want to take any risks. Didier Six scored a goal in the 43^rd minute that was ruled offside.

In the 64^th minute, Ferreri replaced Genghini. Bernard Genghini had joined St Etienne that season from Sochaux to replace a certain Platini and had been struggling amidst the ‘La Caisse Noire’ scandal (http://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/06/soccer-memories-part-32-la-caisse-noire.html). Ferreri’s entry to play in the right wing galvanized France and they almost immediately scored through the new cap Laurent Roussey.

Gerard Janvion, who would come on as a defensive midfielder, would replace Roussey near the end.

This would be Janvion’s final cap for France. He had been one of the most loyal mainstays of the Hidalgo era, but he was ageing and 1984 was clearly beyond him.

Once again Ferreri had stood out and presented as a future hope.

Marius Tresor had an excellent match as well and he was nearing Roger Marche’s appearance record for France.

After the match Hidalgo was satisfied and stated, “the team has re-found its foundation and bases in organization and preparation….we have found our dynamism…only regret is the score”

He underlined the happiness of Six and Platini in rejoining the squad and felt this win was something to build on.

Roussey, the goalscorer, would say, “Morally, it was important for me to score a goal”. Privately, he had felt this cap had arrived too soon and would have preferred to be stronger and more confident, but given how the match went he was satisfied.

Just like Ettori, this tuned out to be Castaneda’s last match for France, as Hidalgo was still not set on his first choice between the sticks.

Date: October 6, 1982

Competition: Friendly

Venue: Paris -Parc des Princes

Attendance: 15,777

France 1-Hungary 0 (Laurent Roussey 65)

France: Jean Castaneda, Maxime Bossis, Marius Tresor, Philippe Mahut, Thierry Tusseau, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana (Alain Couriol 79^th), Bernard Genghini (Jean-Marc Ferreri 64^th), Laurent Roussey (Gerard Janvion 85^th), Michel Platini, Didier Six (Gerard Soler 73^rd)

Note:

1-In Bold, new caps.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 83, November 1982

(Laurent Rouusey, October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 16, 1983

(Michel Platini, October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1905, October 12, 1982

(October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1905, October 12, 1982

(Michel Platini, October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Photo From: L’Annee du Football,1983

(October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1905, October 12, 1982

(A cartoon showing Michel Hidalgo driving a Ferrari (…Ferreri), he says “the test is successful, you do not keep a Ferreri in the garage, October 6, 1982, France 1-Hungary 0)

Preparatory Friendly match Number 3-Holland (November 10, 1982, Rotterdam)

France’s third friendly of the season was against Holland. This was France’s first away preparatory match.

Initially, Hidalgo chose to leave Jean-Marc Ferreri, Daniel Bravo and Bruno Bellone at the disposal of the Under-21 squad for their qualifier vs. Sweden.

However, Ferreri had to be recalled for the senior squad as Alain Giresse was out through injury and Bernard Genghini was out of form at St Etienne.

Other absentees were Rocheteau, Mahut, Six and Janvion (who would not be called again).

Hidalgo would choose a new goalkeeper again for the third match running. The uncapped Jean-Pierre Tempet of Laval was the new man in goal.

Jean Castaneda was recuperating from injury and the St Etienne Management asked for him to be relieved.

The other uncapped players to be called up were Paris St Germain midfielder Luis Fernandez, Toulouse winger Jean-Marc Ferratge and RC Lens forward François Brisson.

Patrick Battiston, having healed from his World Cup injury, was back into the squad for the first time in the season.

As far as tactics, Hidalgo started with Tempet in goal, Amoros and Battiston took their customary outside back spots.

Maxime Bossis (as Stopper) partnered Tresor in central defense. While Bossis was now the established Libero at his club Nantes, in the National Team Tresor was still the first choice for the position (for the time being). During the match, Bossis would acquit himself well in the position.

Ferreri started for the first time to cover Giresse. Platini was moved further upfront. He was carrying a slight injury and was not at full capacity.

The novelty was the introduction of the debutant Luis Fernandez as the defensive midfielder. He did not know at the time, but he would go on to make consecutive appearances well into the 1986 World Cup.

The debutant Ferratge played as left-winger and Laurent Roussey played as the number nine.

France were facing an inexperienced Dutch side in reconstruction now that the 70s glory squad was ageing and slowly retiring.

They included future superstars Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.

Before the match, Hidalgo said, “against Hungary we showed our unity, now we must show it away from home”. He was very conscious of France’s poor form away from home and wanted desperately to remedy that.

He stressed that France had to get the “appetite” to win away from home.

Despite selecting many young strikers, he did emphasize that Lacombe, Six and Soler were still part of his plans.

By starting the match, Tresor tied the record of Roger Marche by earning his 63^rd cap and he was on the verge of being the new recordman.

The Dutch took the lead early in the 8^th minute through Simon Tahamta. Battiston displayed his return to form, by scoring just minutes later (12^th minute) after fine work by Fernandez.

France were in fine form and gradually got a handle on the game.

For the second half, Amoros and Battiston switched their sides. Hidalgo also brought on Stopyra and Brisson (his first cap).

Platini scored the winner with less than ten minutes remaining to earn France a rare away win to satisfy Hidalgo.

Ferreri was in inspired form and this was the match that really sealed his status as France’s next great hope. He was now being compared to Platini as his heir apparent. In the coming days, it was also learned that Ferreri’s father was a 'carabineri' in Italy and worked near Juventus’ Stadio Communale.

Ferreri took plaudits, but in the long run Fernandez’s introduction was the most significant change. Fernandez was more reserved in beginning of match but gradually got into the match. He would become the missing link of France’s midfield that would eventually be called ‘Carré Magique’ (Magic square).

The midfield (since the 1982 World Cup) was set with Platini, Giresse and Tigana as certainties. The more offensive minded Bernard Genghini had been the fourth member at the World Cup. Fernandez added the defensive stability that the midfield needed to be even stronger.

After the match, Hidalgo praised Ferreri, Fernandez and even Platini. He was encouraged for the future.

Tigana praised the input of the young players, as did the press, especially ‘L’Equipe’.

Laurent Roussey, who appeared to have a future with the National Team after scoring vs. Hungary, was substituted during the match by Stopyra. It was clear that he was perhaps not ready as a long-term prospect for the senior team. This would be his last match. Likewise, Brisson did not play again for Hidalgo’s senior side and was instead at the disposal of Henri Michel’s Olympics squad (He would appear one last time for France in 1984).

Date: November 10, 1982

Competition: Friendly

Venue: Rotterdam-De Kuip-Feyenoord Stadion

Attendance:          9,693

Holland 1-France 2 (Simon Tahamata 8  / Patrick Battiston 12, Michel Platini 81)

France: Jean-Pierre Tempet, Manuel Amoros, Maxime Bossis, Marius Tresor, Patrick Battiston, Jean-Marc Ferreri, Jean Tigana, Luis Fernandez, Laurent Roussey (Yannick Stopyra 57^th), Michel Platini, Jean-Marc Ferratge (François Brisson 68^th)

Note:

1-In Bold, new caps.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1910, November 16, 1982

(Jean-Marc Ferreri and Luis Fernandez, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1910, November 16, 1982

(Jean-Marc Ferreri, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(Yannick Stopyra, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: Le Livre d’or du Football 1983

(Jean-Marc Ferreri and Frank Rijkaard, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 33, December 1982

(Marius Tresor, France squad and Michel Platini, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 16, 1983

(November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 86, February 1983

(Frank Rijkaard and Luis Fernandez, and Jean-Marc Ferreri and Luis Fernandez, November 10, 1982, Holland 1-France 2)