The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 35 (Interview with French Author and Journalist Mr. Bruno Colombari, on France National Team under Michel Hidalgo, 1980/81 season)

 

The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 35 (Interview with French Author and Journalist Mr. Bruno Colombari, on France National Team under Michel Hidalgo, 1980/81 season)

For this interview, I continue with the history of the France National Team under Michel Hidalgo, season by season, with the 1980/81 season.

This will be a semi-regular and continuous series.

The Interview is in English and in French.

The Interviewee is:

French Author, Journalist and France National Team Historian, Mr. Bruno Colombari.

Mr. Bruno Colombari is the Editor in Chief of @chroniquebleue and contributor to @coparenamedia

 

Mr. Colombari’s contact info:

On Twitter: @bruno_colombari

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Michel Hidalgo a commencé la saison 1980/81 sous pression pour se qualifier pour la Coupe du monde 1982 suite à l'élimination de l'Euro 1980. Quelle était l'ambiance au début de cette saison?

Soccernostalgia Question: Michel Hidalgo started the 1980/81 season under pressure to qualify for the 1982 World Cup following the elimination from the 1980 Euros. What was the mood at the start of this season?

Bruno Colombari Response: Plutôt inquiète. L’équipe de France sort de deux saisons mitigées, sans phase finale et sans trop de repères. De plus, elle se retrouve dans un groupe piège, avec deux adversaires de grande valeur, les Pays-Bas finalistes en 1974 et 1978 et la Belgique, vice-championne d’Europe en 1980. La République d’Irlande n’est pas un cadeau non plus, alors que Chypre est largement prenable. La contrepartie, c’est qu’il y a deux places qualificatives pour la première fois, car en 1982 le format de la Coupe du monde passe à 24 équipes. Ce qui laisse une certaine marge d’erreur qui sera bien utile, on le verra !

Bruno Colombari Response: Rather worried. The French team is coming out of two mixed seasons, without a final phase and without too many benchmarks. Moreover, it finds itself in a tricky group, with two adversaries of great value, the Netherlands finalists in 1974 and 1978 and Belgium, vice-champion of Europe in 1980. The Republic of Ireland is not a a gift either, while Cyprus is widely available. The advantage is that there are two qualifying places for the first time, because in 1982 the format of the World Cup increases to 24 teams. This leaves a certain margin of error which will be very useful, as we will see!

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): La saison a commencé le 3 septembre, 1980, avec un match amical à Paris contre le club italien Juventus avec de nombreux futurs vainqueurs de la Coupe du monde 1982. La France s'est imposée (1-0). Cela contraste avec les années précédentes, lorsque la France a remporté ces matches assez confortablement. Que retenez-vous de ce match?

Soccernostalgia Question: The season started on September 3rd, 1980, with a friendly in Paris against Italian club Juventus featuring many future World Cup 1982 winners. France won (1-0).  This was in contrast to previous years, when France won these matches rather comfortably. What do you recall from this match?

Bruno Colombari Response: La Juventus était déjà une équipe redoutable à cette époque, et pas réputée pour laisser beaucoup de place aux attaquants adverses. Son meneur de jeu était l’Irlandais Liam Brady, qui reviendra au Parc six semaines plus tard. Battre cette équipe-là, même sur un score serré (à l’italienne, donc) était déjà une performance, sachant que l’équipe de France n’avait plus battu l’Italie depuis 1920. Mais l’attaque composée des Nantais Baronchelli et Amisse et du Stéphanois Laurent Roussey ne fonctionne pas. Roussey ne reviendra d’ailleurs que deux ans plus tard, à l’automne 1982, puis disparaîtra.

Bruno Colombari Response: Juventus were already a formidable team at that time, and not known for leaving much room for opposing attackers. Its playmaker was Irishman Liam Brady, who will return to the Parc six weeks later. Beating that team, even on a close score (Italian style, therefore) was already a performance, knowing that the French team had not beaten Italy since 1920. But the attack composed of Nantes’ Baronchelli and Amisse and St. Etienne’s Laurent Roussey does not work. Roussey will only return two years later, in the fall of 1982, and then disappear.

 

Photo From: Le Livre d'or du Football 1981

(September 3, 1980, France 1-Juventus 0)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le 11 octobre 1980, la France se rend à Limassol pour affronter Chypre pour son premier match de qualification pour la Coupe du monde. Seule une victoire était attendue et la France profita de ce premier match pour aider sa différence de buts avec une victoire (7-0). Que pensez-vous de ce match?

Soccernostalgia Question: On October 11^th, 1980, France traveled to Limassol to face Cyprus for its first World Cup Qualifier. Only a victory was expected and France used this first match to help its goal difference with a (7-0) win. What are your thoughts about this match?

Bruno Colombari Response: C’est l’exemple même du match piège comme l’équipe de France en a connu de nombreux dans son histoire, avec entre autres une défaite à domicile contre les amateurs norvégiens en 1968. Le match se joue sur une pelouse équipée d’arroseurs automatiques qui ne sont pas enterrés et qui sont donc dangereux en cas de chute dessus. Mais les Bleus prennent ce match très au sérieux et se le rendent facile comme ils l’avaient fait l’année précédente face aux Etats-Unis à East Rutherford (6-0). Jean-François Larios et Michel Platini sont très complémentaires, le premier marquant deux buts sur pénalty (cas unique dans un match de l’équipe de France) et le second signant un doublé en neuf minutes. Sur deux passes décisives de Jean Tigana, qui se rend déjà indispensable au milieu alors que ce n’est que sa deuxième sélection.

Bruno Colombari Response: This is the very example of the trap match as the French team has known many in its history, with among others a defeat at home against the Norwegian amateurs in 1968. The match is played on a lawn equipped with sprinklers automatic machines which are not buried and which are therefore dangerous in the event of a fall on them. But the Blues take this match very seriously and make it easy as they did the previous year against the United States in East Rutherford (6-0). Jean-François Larios and Michel Platini are very complementary, the first scoring two penalty goals (a unique case in a match for the French team) and the second signing a double in nine minutes. On two assists from Jean Tigana, who is already essential in the middle when it is only his second selection.

 

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 8, November 1980

(October 11, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Cyprus 0-France 7)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 8, November 1980

(October 11, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Cyprus 0-France 7)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Ce match contre Chypre était le dernier sous les couleurs françaises pour Henri Michel, qui jouait en tant que Libéro. Décrivez les raisons de sa convocation inattendue?

Soccernostalgia Question: This match vs. Cyprus was the last in French colors for Henri Michel, who played as Libero. Describe the reasons for his unexpected call-up?

Bruno Colombari Response: Henri Michel n’avait plus joué en sélection depuis février 1979 et s’était reconverti en libéro au FC Nantes. Les deux titulaires habituels, Marius Trésor et Christian Lopez sont forfaits. Michel Hidalgo demande donc à son futur successeur de dépanner en défense. Ce sera sa 58ème sélection, sa dernière en effet.

Bruno Colombari Response: Henri Michel had not played in the selection since February 1979 and had converted to a libero at FC Nantes. The two usual holders, Marius Trésor and Christian Lopez are out. Michel Hidalgo therefore asks his future successor to help out in defense. This will be his 58th selection, his last indeed.

 

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 58, January 1985

(Michel Hidalgo’s memories of this match, October 11, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Cyprus 0-France 7)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le 28 octobre 1980, la France accueillait la République d'Irlande à Paris pour son prochain match de qualification pour la Coupe du monde. Les Irlandais ont été un test plus difficile. La France s'est imposée (2-0), mais les Irlandais ont eu un but injustement écarté (Robinson à la 57e minute). Y avait-il juste un soulagement pour avoir obtenu les points ?

Soccernostalgia Question: On October 28^th, 1980, France hosted the Republic of Ireland in Paris for its next World Cup Qualifier. The Irish were a tougher test. France won (2-0), but the Irish had a goal unjustly ruled out (Robinson in the 57^th minute). Was there just relief for getting the points?

Bruno Colombari Response: Par rapport à la victoire obtenue sur le même score quatre ans plus tôt, en 1976, ce match-là a été beaucoup plus compliqué après un début remarquable avec un but de Platini sur une nouvelle passe de Tigana, la troisième en deux matchs. Les optimistes pouvaient y voir la confirmation que les Bleus pouvaient gagner même en jouant mal, et qu’ils avaient démarré au mieux leur campagne de qualification pour 1982 avec deux victoires et deux clean sheets. Mais c’était contre les deux adversaires les plus faibles du groupe, même si les Irlandais comptaient déjà deux victoires (dont une sur les Pays-Bas) et un nul avant de venir au Parc.

Bruno Colombari Response: Compared to the victory obtained by the same scoreline four years earlier, in 1976, this match was much more complicated after a remarkable start with a goal from Platini on a new pass from Tigana, the third in two games. Optimists could see it as confirmation that the Blues could win even when playing badly, and that they had started their 1982 qualifying campaign on their best with two wins and two clean sheets. But it was against the two weakest opponents in the group, even if the Irish already had two wins (including one over the Netherlands) and a draw before coming to the Parc.

 

Photo From: Le Livre d'or du Football 1981

(October 28, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, France 2-Republic of Ireland 0)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 8, november 1980

(October 28, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, France 2-Republic of Ireland 0)

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982

(October 28, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, France 2-Republic of Ireland 0)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le 19 novembre 1980, la France se rend à Hanovre pour affronter les récents champions d'Europe de l'Allemagne de l'Ouest. L'Allemagne de l'Ouest était en contrôle total et a gagné (4-1). Comment la performance de la France a-t-elle été jugée par la presse ?

Soccernostalgia Question: On November 19^th, 1980, France travelled to Hannover to face the recent European Champions West Germany. West Germany were in total control and won (4-1). How was France’s performance judged by the Press?

Bruno Colombari Response: Il y avait longtemps que l’équipe de France n’avait plus encaissé quatre buts, depuis 1969 (1-5 à Wembley contre l’Angleterre). Mieux même, depuis que Michel Hidalgo était sélectionneur, elle n’avait jamais concédé plus de deux buts dans le même match. De plus, il faut se souvenir que depuis 1976, les Bleus réalisaient souvent de bonnes performances en amical contre des adversaires de niveau mondial. Ce score très lourd, même s’il n’y avait pas d’enjeu, a été vécu comme une petite humiliation. Il est possible que vingt mois plus tard, à Séville, ceux qui y ont participé des deux côtés s’en soient souvenus.

Bruno Colombari Response: It had been a long time since the French team had conceded four goals, since 1969 (1-5 at Wembley against England). Even better, since Michel Hidalgo was coach, it had never conceded more than two goals in the same match. In addition, it should be remembered that since 1976, the Blues often achieved good performances in friendly matches against world-class opponents. This very heavy score, even if there was nothing at stake, was experienced as a small humiliation. It is possible that twenty months later, in Seville, those who participated in it on both sides will remember it.

 

Photo From: L'Annee de Football 1981

(November 19, 1980, West Germany 4- France 1)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French: Après ce match, le Selectionneur de l'Allemagne de l'Ouest, Jupp Derwall, s'est moqué de Platini en le décrivant comme un général inspectant un champ de bataille avec des jumelles. Pouvez-vous décrire comment Platini a eu le dernier mot avec St. Etienne quelques jours plus tard ?

Soccernostalgia Question: After this match, the West Germany Manager Jupp Derwall mocked Platini by describing him as a General inspecting a battlefield with binoculars. Can you describe how Platini had the last word with St. Etienne just a few days later?

Bruno Colombari Response: Ah oui, parce que la revanche a été foudroyante. C’est d’ailleurs à ça qu’on reconnaît les très grands joueurs : il arrive qu’ils ratent des matchs, mais ça les motive encore plus au moment des retrouvailles. En Coupe UEFA, Saint-Etienne s’est déplacé à Hambourg le mercredi suivant. Il y a cinq Stéphanois qui ont joué contre la RFA (Janvion, Lopez, Zimako, Platini et Larios, plus Battiston qui était remplaçant), et deux Hambourgeois qui ont battu la France (Kaltz et Hrubesch). Platini a signé un doublé, Larios et Zimako ont également marqué. 5-0 au final avec un csc de Hartwig. A noter que Janvion, qui est habituellement arrière droit, évolue au milieu de terrain. Ce qu’il aurait pu faire à Séville après la sortie de Battiston…

Bruno Colombari Response: Ah yes, because the revenge was overwhelming. This is also how we recognize the very great players: they sometimes miss matches, but that motivates them even more when they meet again. In the UEFA Cup, Saint-Etienne traveled to Hamburg the following Wednesday. There are five Sté. Etienne players who played against the West Germany (Janvion, Lopez, Zimako, Platini and Larios, plus Battiston who was a substitute), and two Hamburgers who beat France (Kaltz and Hrubesch). Platini scored twice, Larios and Zimako also scored. 5-0 in the end with an own goal from Hartwig. Note that Janvion, who is usually a right back, plays in midfield. What he could have done in Sevilla after Battiston's exit...

 

Photo From: L'Annee de Football 1981

(November 19, 1980, West Germany 4- France 1)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le le 18 février , 1981, la France se rend à Madrid pour affronter l'Espagne. Hidalgo a profité du match pour expérimenter une formation 4-4-2 en plaçant Platini comme avant-centre. La France a eu de nombreuses occasions mais a perdu (0-1). Quels sont vos souvenirs de ce match?

Soccernostalgia Question: On February 18^th, 1981, France travelled to Madrid to face Spain. Hidalgo used the match to experiment with a 4-4-2 formation by placing Platini as Center Forward. France had many chances but lost (0-1). What are your memories of this match?

Bruno Colombari Response: C’est un changement tactique important que tente Hidalgo, effectivement, mais sans doute pas avec les bons joueurs pour ça. Ce milieu à quatre, dont le principe est de permettre à Platini de jouer plus haut, près des deux attaquants, voire entre les deux en position d’avant centre (aujourd’hui, on dirait un 9 3/4, un peu comme Griezmann), fonctionnera très bien avec Genghini, Tigana et Giresse derrière lui. Mais à Madrid, il n’aligne aucun de ces trois, et préfère Moizan, Christophe et Larios, ce qui n’est pas pareil. Larios fait un très grand match, mais le reste ne fonctionne pas très bien et les Bleus manquent d’efficacité, même s’ils marquent un but valable, même si un Espagnol touche un ballon de la main sur sa ligne de but et même si le pénalty marqué par Juanito en fin de match était cadeau.

Bruno Colombari Response: It is an important tactical change that Hidalgo is trying, indeed, but probably not with the right players for it. This four-man midfield, whose principle is to allow Platini to play higher, near the two forwards, or even between the two in a center forward position (today, it looks like a 9 3/4, a bit like Griezmann), will work just fine with Genghini, Tigana, and Giresse behind him. But in Madrid, he does not field any of these three, and prefers Moizan, Christophe and Larios, which is not the same. Larios plays a great game, but the rest doesn't work very well and the Blues lack efficiency, even if they score a valid goal, even if a Spaniard touches a ball with his hand on his goal line and even if the penalty scored by Juanito at the end of the match was a gift.

 

Photo From: L'Annee de Football 1981

(February 18, 1981, Spain 1-France 0)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le 25 mars 1981, la France affrontait les Pays-Bas à Rotterdam pour son troisième éliminatoire de la Coupe du monde. La France jouait sans Platini et Hidalgo appela Giresse pour le suppléer. La France a eu beaucoup d'occasions et était frustrée de ne pas obtenir au moins un point. Les Néerlandais se sont imposés (1-0) sur un coup franc d'Arnold Muhren. Comment cette defaite a-t-elle été perçue?

Soccernostalgia Question: On March 25^th, 1981, France faced the Netherlands at Rotterdam for its third World Cup Qualifier. France were missing Platini and Hidalgo called up Giresse to deputize him. France had many chances and were frustrated not get at least a point. The Dutch won (1-0) from an Arnold Muhren free kick.  How was this loss viewed?

Bruno Colombari Response: Un peu comme pour le match précédent. Injustice, manque de chance, maladresse, dont celle du gardien Dominique Dropsy qui lui coûtera sa place en sélection (il ne rejouera que les deux matchs suivants). Giresse est rappelé, enfin (pour la première fois depuis septembre 1978), mais Tigana reste sur le banc et c’est Moizan qui complète le milieu avec Larios. Les Bleus ont été défaillants derrière et devant, avec d’énormes occasions gâchées par Lacombe et Six notamment. Et, encore une fois, ils ont perdu à l’extérieur en compétition, une mauvaise habitude qui ne disparaîtra qu’à la fin de la décennie, quand Platini sera sélectionneur.

Bruno Colombari Response: Much like the previous game. Injustice, lack of luck, clumsiness, including that of goalkeeper Dominique Dropsy which will cost him his place in the selection (he will only replay the next two matches). Giresse is finally recalled (for the first time since September 1978), but Tigana remains on the bench and it is Moizan who completes the midfield with Larios. The Blues were faltering behind and in front, with huge chances squandered by Lacombe and Six in particular. And, again, they lost away in competition, a bad habit that would only go away at the end of the decade, when Platini became manager.

 

Photo From: Le Livre d'or du Football 1981

(March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 1-France 0)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le rappel d'Alain Giresse est important pour l'avenir du football français et du ‘Carré Magique’. Était-il évident qu'il aurait dû être inclus beaucoup plus tôt?

Soccernostalgia Question: The recall of Alain Giresse is important in terms of the future of French Football and the ‘Carré Magique’. Was it evident that he should have been included much sooner?

Bruno Colombari Response: J’en suis persuadé, d’autant que les tentatives de 1977 avait été convaincantes. Mais Giresse n’était pas du genre à revendiquer quoi que ce soit, et il s’était à l’idée qu’il ne serait jamais titulaire en Bleu, que son avenir était bouché par Platini. On voit que dans la tête d’Hidalgo commence à se dessiner ce qui sera le carré magique, avec Genghini, puis Tigana, puis Giresse, mais par petites touches et jamais ensemble. C’est prometteur, bien sûr, mais ce n’est pas suffisant.

Bruno Colombari Response: I am convinced of it, especially since the attempts of 1977 had been convincing. But Giresse was not one to claim anything, and he had the idea that he would never start in Blue, that his future was blocked by Platini. We see that in the head of Hidalgo begins to take shape what will be the magic square, with Genghini, then Tigana, then Giresse, but by small touches and never together. It is promising, of course, but it is not enough.

 

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 13, April 1981

(March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 1-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 13, April 1981

(March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 1-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 13, April 1981

(March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 1-France 0)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le 29 avril 1981, la France accueillait la Belgique à Paris pour son prochain match de qualification pour la Coupe du monde. La France devait s'imposer pour conserver ses espoirs de qualification et s'est imposée (3-2). Comment cette victoire vitale était-elle perçue à l'époque ?

Soccernostalgia Question: On April 29^th, 1981, France hosted Belgium at Paris for its next World Cup Qualifier. France had to win to keep its qualification hopes alive and won (3-2). How was this vital win viewed at the time?

Bruno Colombari Response: C’était le match qu’il fallait absolument gagner. Un nul aurait coûté la qualification aux Bleus, et la Belgique était la meilleure équipe du groupe, qui finira d’ailleurs première du groupe. Et Platini et Larios, qui brillent avec Saint-Etienne, sont forfaits tous les deux. Que fait Hidalgo ? Ce qu’il fera un an plus tard contre l’Autriche en Coupe du monde : il associe Tigana, Genghini et Giresse, avec trois attaquants (Soler, Rocheteau, Six) qu’on retrouvera aussi en Espagne. Le match est magnifique, même si les Belges marquent au bout de cinq minutes. Mais les Bleus réalisent une première mi-temps exceptionnelles et mènent 3-1 au bout d’une demi-heure, un renversement très rapide que l’on reverra en 2018 contre l’Argentine. Et elle parviendra à conserver le résultat malgré un deuxième but belge. On parle souvent du France-Pays Bas de novembre 1981 comme d’un match décisif pour la génération Hidalgo, mais celui-là l’était tout autant. Et sans Platini!

Bruno Colombari Response: It was the match that absolutely had to be won. A draw would have cost the Blues qualification, and Belgium were the best team in the group, which will also finish first in the group. And Platini and Larios, who shine with Saint-Etienne, are both forfeited. What does Hidalgo do? What he will do a year later against Austria in the World Cup: he combines Tigana, Genghini and Giresse, with three attackers (Soler, Rocheteau, Six) who will also be found in Spain. The match is magnificent, even if the Belgians score after five minutes. But the Blues had an exceptional first half and led 3-1 after half an hour, a very quick reversal that we will see again in 2018 against Argentina. And she will manage to keep the result despite a second Belgian goal. We often talk about the France-Netherlands of November 1981 as a decisive match for the Hidalgo generation, but this one was just as important. And without Platini!

 

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 58, January 1985

(Michel Hidalgo’s memories of this match, April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981

(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981

(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Pour son dernier match de la saison, la France recevait le Brésil en amical à Paris le 15 mai 1981. Une équipe de France manquant de nombreux titulaires était battue par une excellente équipe brésilienne (1-3). Que pensez-vous de ce match?

Soccernostalgia Question: For its last match of the season, France hosted Brazil for a friendly in Paris on May 15^th, 1981. A French team missing many regulars were defeated by an excellent Brazil side on Tour (1-3). What are your thoughts about this match?

Bruno Colombari Response: Il manquait trop de titulaires ce soir-là (Giresse, Platini, Larios, Rocheteau…) et Hidalgo en a profité pour essayer Philippe Anziani et Patrick Delamontagne en cours de match. Trésor se blesse juste après le premier but brésilien, et le match est devenu très compliqué. Ce Brésil-là, avec Socrates, Junior, Zico, Oscar ou Eder était très fort, d’autant que Pelé était présent et venait d’être sacré Sportif du siècle par le journal L’Equipe. C’était une équipe très technique, avec un toucher de balle superbe, et la capacité à accélérer à n’importe quel moment. Bien plus forte que celle de 1978, que les Bleus avaient battue. C’était la première défaite à domicile de Michel Hidalgo depuis qu’il était sélectionneur, la première au Parc depuis huit ans. Mais c’était un amical, et l’équipe de France ne voulait plus être championne du monde des matchs amicaux !

Bruno Colombari Response: There were too many missing starters that night (Giresse, Platini, Larios, Rocheteau…) and Hidalgo took the opportunity to try Philippe Anziani and Patrick Delamontagne during the match. Trésor is injured just after the first Brazilian goal, and the match has become very complicated. This Brazil, with Socrates, Junior, Zico, Oscar or Eder was very strong, especially since Pelé was present and had just been crowned Sportsman of the Century by the newspaper L'Equipe. They were a very technical team, with a superb touch on the ball, and the ability to accelerate at any time. Much stronger than that of 1978, which the Blues had beaten. It was Michel Hidalgo's first home defeat since he was coach, the first at the Parc for eight years. But it was a friendly, and the French team no longer wanted to be world champion of friendly matches!

 

Photo From: L'Annee de Football 1981

(May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

Photo From: L'Annee de Football 1981

(May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981

(May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Quel bilan faites-vous de la saison en général?

Soccernostalgia Question: What is your assessment of the season in General?

Bruno Colombari Response: Avec quatre défaites, il n’est statistiquement pas bon, surtout que le nombre de buts encaissés (11 sur les cinq derniers matchs) devient inquiétant. La RFA et le Brésil ont largement dominé l’équipe de France, ce qui est mauvais signe à un an de la Coupe du monde. Mais les Bleus ont gagné trois fois sur quatre en compétition, ce qui est encourageant. Tigana a trouvé sa place au milieu, et Giresse et Genghini ont fait des rentrées très convaincantes au printemps.

On a l’impression que quelque chose se passe, qu’une mutation s’opère, qui va aller progressivement vers un 4-4-2 offensif et la fin du trio d’attaque Rocheteau-Lacombe-Six. Cette équipe-là reste fragile derrière, mais elle a du caractère et elle produit du jeu, même si elle gâche trop d’occasions de but. C’est un point d’équilibre entre la première période de l’ère Hidalgo, et la deuxième qui va bientôt arriver. Mais c’est un équilibre instable.

Bruno Colombari Response: With four defeats, it is not statistically good, especially since the number of goals conceded (11 in the last five games) is becoming worrying. The West Germany and Brazil largely dominated the French team, which is a bad sign one year from the World Cup. But the Blues have won three times out of four in competition, which is encouraging. Tigana found his place in the middle, and Giresse and Genghini made very convincing comebacks in the spring.

We have the impression that something is happening, that a change is taking place, which will gradually go towards an offensive 4-4-2 and the end of the attacking trio Rocheteau-Lacombe-Six. This team remains fragile behind, but it has character and it produces play, even if it wastes too many goalscoring opportunities. It is a point of balance between the first period of the Hidalgo era, and the second which will soon arrive. But it's an unstable balance.

Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast-Episode 79 (Interview with Argentine Futbol Historian, Mr. Esteban Bekerman, Argentina during the 1930 World Cup)

 This is the 79^th episode of my podcast with Mr. Paul Whittle of https://the1888letter.com/, @1888letter.

For this episode, we continue our interview series with Mr. Esteban Bekerman, Argentine Journalist, Football History researcher and Professor of Football History, as we discuss Argentina during the 1930 World Cup.

We aim to have a series of interviews with Mr. Bekerman where we will examine the History of Argentina Futbol from its origins in the late 19^th Century and then into different decades and eras of Argentina Futbol for subsequent podcasts. 

Mr. Esteban Bekerman is an Argentina Football Historian and Journalist-Professor at the ‘Circulo de Periodistas Deportivas y en Taller de Investigacion Historia sobre Futbol (Circle of Sports Journalists and Historical Research workshop on Football’.

He is the founder of http://entretiempos.com.ar/ , center of Football Culture that includes production of magazines, books, workshops and consulting events.

 

 

For any questions/comments, you may contact us:

You may also contact me on this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

 

Mr. Paul Whittle, @1888letter on twitter and https://the1888letter.com/contact/

https://linktr.ee/BeforeThePremierLeague

 

You may also follow the podcast on spotify and now on Google podcasts, Apple podcasts, Podvine and stitcher all under ‘Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast’

Please leave a review, rate and subscribe if you like the podcast.

Mr. Bekerman’s contact info:

Twitter: @egerbek

Twitter: @entretiempos_ar

Website: http://entretiempos.com.ar/

Blog: estebanbekerman.blogpsot.com

 

 

Link to Mr. Paul Whittle’s book (Before the Premier League: A History of the Football League's Last Decades):

https://the1888letter.com/book-before-the-premier-league/

http://www.wibblepublishing.com/bpl.html

 

For more info see:

http://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/11/compendium-to-1930-world-cup-part-1.html

http://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/11/compendium-to-1930-world-cup-part-2.html

 

 

Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Podvine / Stitcher:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Uc1WmGsOHQTSfkLPyqXVM?si=IXwHAcfwTzKIJL6EyPc9Lw&nd=1

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast/id1601074369?i=1000578287072

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS84MzgyNzMucnNz/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xMTI1NTA1MA==

https://podvine.com/podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode-79-interview-with-argentine-futbol-historian-mr-esteban-bekerman-argentina-during-the-1930-world-cup?user=33bd6a03-19eb-42d4-a9eb-1a346a3fe88b

https://www.stitcher.com/show/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast/episode/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode-79-interview-with-argentine-futbol-historian-mr-esteban-bekerman-argentina-during-the-1930-world-cup-206402883

World Cup Stories-Part Two (Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup-part b Preparations ahead of the World Cup)- an Interview with Mr. Joachim Aasan of @1990qual, http://italia1990.com)

 

This is the continuation, part b, of the interview with Mr. Aasan @1990qual regarding Czechoslovakia during the 1990 World Cup. This interview deals with the Preparation phase.

The Interview will be divided in three parts, part a (World Cup Qualifiers), part b (Preparations ahead of the World Cup) and part c (World Cup Finals)

Questions and Analysis: 

 

The Interviewee is:

Mr. Joachim Aasan

 

Mr. Aasan’s contact info:

On Twitter: @1990qual

Website: http://italia1990.com

Part b-Preparations ahead of the World Cup:

 

Soccernostalgia Question: After the qualification phase, Michael Bilek was regarded as Czechoslovakia’s star after his two goals vs. Portugal. Can you talk about him and his performances in the qualifiers?

 

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: Michal Bílek was 23 at the start of the qualification. He was already emerging as a key figure in the Sparta team. They had just won their second successive domestic title, the fourth in five seasons, and through the benefit of hindsight, we know that they'd go on and win the next three Czechoslovakian league titles as well. Alas, they'd not make a great impact in the European club competitions, so the national team remained the main stage for domestic players to exhibit themselves. One of Bílek's strengths was that he was capable of playing in various positions. Since Vengloš was rarely shy to stir things up a bit formations wise, Bílek's versatility meant he would be shifted around from one position to another. Perhaps did he seem at his most potent when he was featuring along the left hand side in Vengloš' 3-5-2, despite the fact that he was predominantly a right-footed player? His strength probably was coming forward, as he would from time to time be exposed defensively. Despite a fairly modest size, Bílek would infrequently pop up with occasional headers such as the one which he powered home from distance during the 4-0 win over Luxembourg. He also knew how to strike a free-kick, and his total return of four qualification goals saw him top the internal charts along with Skuhravý. You mentioned his twin strike against Portugal, and the way he won it for the hosts through his free-kick in the latter stages was stunning. It was such a huge two points.

 

Photo From: Soccer International, Issue 4, April 1990

(Michal Bilek)

Soccernostalgia Question: When the World Cup draw was made, Czechoslovakia were paired with hosts Italy, Austria and USA? How did they view their chances?

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: It is fair to say that they remained with an optimistic point of view regarding their chances. Vengloš' aim was the quarter-finals. He admitted in the wake of the qualification that they were not yet quite where he wanted them to be, but that they were working on their weaknesses. His emphasis was on a solid defensive, with his team being a physically, well-organized unit which was hard to break down. This would limit their attacking freedom somewhat, but he said they would continue to work on these things in the months prior to the start of the tournament. Therefore, the manager said, had they chosen a tough-looking schedule of friendlies in the run-up to the World Cup, with Spain, England and West Germany all providing opposition.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: In this new year and during the preparation phase, there was a positive atmosphere with the new freedoms. How did this new political situation affect the team? 

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: Certainly, there was. The new levels of freedom within the realms of the country gave everyone a lift, and this was something which the football select drew advantage from. In Bílek's words: "In the past I've been a little ashamed to wear my country's jersey, but at the World Cup we'll be the ambassadors of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia. We will seek to seduce and to give the world the same positive image as (the new president) Václav Havel." The midfielder's words were mirrored by assistant manager Václav Ježek, who pointed out that "after forty years of living in obscurity, we're all now trying to take in what it is like to live free." Ježek, incidentally, was the only coach at national team level never to have been a member of the communist party. This had even led to his phone being surveilled. There is little doubt that they were all appreciating their new lease of life.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: There were opposition from within the Federation as well as some players when the possibility to re-integrate Kubik and Knofilcek was discussed. Can you discuss the reasons for the antagonism towards the pair? 

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: Well, that is true, and predominantly the players' reluctance to accept the pair back into the mix stemmed from the fact that Knoflíček and Kubík had obviously not taken part in the qualification. It should also be remembered that the core of the team consisted of Sparta Prague players, and the pair which had defected had been Slavia's assets at the time. It does not sound unreasonable from the national team players' point of view that those who had worked together in order to accomplish qualification should also be the ones to test themselves at the global stage, although Knoflíček and Kubík both were of such a calibre that it would be foolish to ignore their talent. In fact, it had been Ivan Hašek who had announced in a speech to the national team squad that everyone ought to accept the pair's return. The captain was an influental man, and the squad would ultimately concord and welcome Knoflíček and Kubík back.

 

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, No 24 (799), June 13-19,1990

(Ivo Knofilcek)

Soccernostalgia Question: The friendly vs. England in April 1990 is historically looked upon as the match where Paul Gascoigne made England’s World Cup team. However, from a Czechoslovakian perspective, this was the match where Kubik and Knofilcek used the chance given to them to convince Venglos to gain back their place in the team. Can you talk about their performances and the rest of the team’s reaction?

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: Well, it was odd to see the Czechoslovakian team so defensively ill disciplined. While they'd only conceded thrice from eight qualifiers, they failed to secure their final third of the pitch on this occasion. Admittedly, they did line up with a slightly changed outlook, with players coming in for regulars, and indeed key performers missing such as goalkeeper Jan Stejskal and libero/central midfield man Jozef Chovanec not travelling from the Netherlands. Czechoslovakia's rear guard had looked solid throughout the qualification, often in a back four. On this occasion, Vengloš had gone for five at the back, with Kocian working as a spare man behind man-markers Straka (Bull) and Kinier (Lineker). Fair to say it was no great success, and to see the experienced Straka fail to handle a novice at international level such as Steve Bull was quite odd. The latter scored two, should've had a hat-trick, and wasted even further opportunities. Straka's misery was compounded by the fact that he injured himself by landing awkwardly after a challenge, and had to come off for Kadlec. With the pair of returning players in Kubík and Knoflíček restored to the side, the management team obviously now had further assets to draw competence from. Individually, Kubík looked sound in his central role among three midfielders, always composed in possession and sound in delivery, although he did have vast spaces to cover defensively, and was a bit run ragged. Alongside him in midfield were skipper Hašek and the delicate Moravčík, and neither were particularly keen to tuck inside and aid Kubík in his attempt at controlling the engine room. The now Fiorentina man did have a couple of decent attempts at goal in the first half, as his left foot was often a threat, and he did eventually dispatch a free-kick into the back of the net for his comeback goal late on. Definitely a worthy return to the national team. As for Knoflíček, he was distinctly less visible, although he did look to make runs into either channel, often providing the more wide option for central striker Skuhravý, and it must indeed be said that he did assist the latter for the opening goal. Against strong English defenders, though, Knoflíček probably didn't hold the ball up as well as he would've hoped. He got subbed for Griga on the hour, which could well have been pre-meditated. An average performance by the wily forward. Did their return upset the team's rhythm in any way? It is difficult to assess the team's perfomance in a game which probably mattered more to the opponents in terms of English players wishing to put on a display, though Kubík's quality was there for everyone to see. Now it would be about just how Vengloš and Ježek could implement the pair to fit with the rest of the team.

 

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, No 24 (803), June 13-19,1990

(April 25, 1990, England 4-Czechoslovakia 2)

Soccernostalgia Question: Ahead of the World Cup, Bilek, Chovanec, Kubik and Knofilcek were the better-known Czechoslovakian players, while Tomas Skuhravy was very much under the radar. In fact, much of the talk was problems in attack where Skuhravy and Luhovy were seen as inconsistent. Is this why perhaps a striker like Knofilcek seen as a necessity?

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: A World Cup squad consisted of 22 players at the time, and any team would need to bring enough strength in depth to be able to compete at the desired level. Skuhravý and Luhový were both based domestically, and although they were fine strikers, with the former particularly making a name for himself through his four goals in the qualification, it did take a whole lot to be successful at the very highest level. The way Czechoslovakia were set up to play, with a focus on being strong defensively, and perhaps relying on their strikers to try and hold the ball up in order to bring others into play, running into the channels and so on, any strong addition to the squad, such as a proven forward at international level in Knoflíček, was welcome. Add Griga to the mix, and they now looked to have four strikers who were all looking to claim a place in the starting eleven.

 

Photo From: Soccer America, Vol. 38, No. 7, Issue 948, February 22, 1990

(Tomas Skuhravy)

Soccernostalgia Question: When Kubik returned, he was placed on the left side of the midfield and Moravcik moved to the right. How was this tactical switch perceived during the World Cup?

Mr. Joachim Aasan @1990qual response: When Kubík (and Knoflíček) returned, Czechoslovakia only had two friendlies left to play until the start of the World Cup. There seemed to be a race against time for Vengloš to successfully allocate the pair into the starting eleven, so perhaps would there not necessarily be a starting berth for both once they embarked on the finals? Kubík had come into the side as the central midfielder in their 5-3-2 at Wembley, and in the final friendly, away to West Germany towards the end of May, the formation remained the same, although with Czechoslovakia able to call on all of their best players, Kubík had to make do with operating to the left of central midfielder Jozef Chovanec, with the numbers combination once again being a 5-3-2. Moravčík, on this occasion, was working up front in tandem with Skuhravý, who certainly did seem to be Vengloš' first choice up top. Knoflíček and Luhový would both come on after the break. There were various players in the squad who were capable of performing in several positions. This could also be seen as something of an asset to the Czechoslovakians, although perhaps at the same time did it mean that it was difficult for Vengloš to pinpoint his ideal starting eleven? Of course, he could also change his starting personnel around with a view to counter the opposition's strengths.

 

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, No 24 (799), June 13-19,1990

(Lubomir Moravcik)