Once again, Les Bleuets curse of not playing at the European Championships continued as they lost 5-3 on aggregate to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Israel-c2925 next year
“If you do not qualify against Norway, then we can talk about a curse,” launched former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 under-21 manager, Raymond Domenech. The Frenchman was very excited about the prospects of the ‘espoirs’ to finally return to the European Championships since 2006.
And indeed, Les Bleuets had the team that could take France to new heights. However, Domenech’s assessments which were in the preamble of the double confrontation against Norway, remained preambles as Erick Mombaerts men’ lost 5-3 on aggregate and yet again
miss out on the Euros.
The advantage gained at home (1-0 first leg win) was to remain an advantage as France lost to the Norwegians 4-1 in the away leg. Raphael Varane scored the only goal of the 1-0 win at Stade Oceane, Le Havre before Mombaerts’ young charges travelled to Norway
where they were to be given a lesson in humility by a good Norwegian side.
New http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Feyenoord-c39258 signing, Harmeet Singh opened scoring for the home side in the 14th minute. Five minutes later, Nielsen scored to give Norway a good lead. However, young Guilavogui restored hope by scoring from a good pass by Knockaert in the 29th
minute.
Despite getting back into the game, the young Blueberries had to defend against a relentless Norwegian on-slot that showed no signs of stopping. Mangala and Mavinga were going to be overwhelmed eventually and must have heaved a huge sigh of relief when the
referee blew the whistle for half time.
Many expected Mombaerts’ men to come out of the tunnel for the second half with a more clear strategy. However, that was to be an illusion as Konradsen scored in the 57th minute to make it 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
France’s fate was sealed and the night was simply summed up after Berget scored in the 66th minute, thanks to some really poor coordination between Mangala and goalkeeper, Ali Ahamada.
With just 24 minutes left to save their qualification campaign, France pressed on and first Lacazette (83rd minute) pulled one back for the visitors and then Griezmann (87th minute) got close to making in 5-4 on aggregate.
So frustrated was Lacazette that the young striker head-butted an opponent to receive his marching orders.
The game against Per Joar Hansen’s men was a symbol of catastrophic and comical errors that no one expected from such a talented French side. Once again, France espoirs failed to secure qualification for the European Championships and there is no one to
blame but the players themselves.
A lot of promise was shown but one poor game sealed their fate. Hopefully for these youngsters, this demoralising defeat is a good lesson learned.
Tags: