Tag Archives: 2012

FRANCETO HOST ENGLAND IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

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France are set to host England in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Stade de France Stadium.


The Three Lions will see Burnley goalie Tom Heaton and Stoke star Jack Butland play a half each as Joe Hart takes a back seat after conceding two goals via set pieces against Scotland.

This would be the first start for the 31-year old Heaton – though he would now play all four divisions for the country. Ahead of the game, he said the ambition to play for the national team never left him after several club experiences at Manchester United, Cardiff, Queen Park Rangers, Bristol City and others.

The Scots scored two late efforts against their rivals in the World Cup qualifier so the former Manchester City keeper would play no part in the friendly, Gareth Southgate confirmed. However, Southgate insisted that it was never his intention to play Hart from the onset.

The manager refused to blame Hart for conceding the goals against their opponents at Hampden Park. Two strikes from Leigh Griffiths beat Hart, who played full 90 minutes.

“They were great free kicks. Beyond that, coaching conversations I have with players stay private,” Southgate replied when asked his feelings about the goals. He added that the team could have done better in so many areas. more

BALOTELLI BACKS FRANCE TO LIFT EURO 2016

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Former AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli has backed France to lift the Euro 2016 trophy.

France are the favourites to lift the trophy after seeing off former top favourites Germany on Thursday in an epic semi final match.

Balotelli backed his friend Paul Pogba to do wonders in the game against Portugal when they meet on Sunday at the final. The player who acknowledged Germany to be favourites backed the team to repeat their success when they play in the final.

France faced Germany in the semi final in Marseille for the chance to play Portugal, who had defeated Wales on Wednesday in the other semi final game, in the final game of the tournament. The game ended 2-0 in favour of France as two goals from Man of the Match Antoine Greizmann sunk the German machines.

The player, who was released from his loan to AC Milan from Liverpool, had faced Germany before when they played at the semi final four years ago at the Euro 2012. The striker scored two goals as Italy went past the Germans. Balotelli told Goal before the semi final match: “Objectively, yes [Germany are favourites], but subjectively I hope France win because I want my friend Pogba to win. Germany in 2012 were a little bit stronger than this current Germany side but Germany are always a strong team.”
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Didier Deschamps announce his team for the Euros

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French coach Didier Deschamps has announced his squad for the Euros 2016 that will be taking place in France itself.

Among the notable absentees, we have Karim Benzema, who is suspended from the team after a blackmail scandal and Ben Arfa.

In fact, the biggest surprise is the absence of Hatem Ben Arfa, who has been quite prolific with Nice this season. Indeed, ever since he moved from Newcastle back to France, Ben Arfa has been scoring goals one after the another, and many would have thought that he would be in the team for the Euros. He is only named in the reserve side, and there will need to be an injury in the current squad for him to get a place at the Euros.

Didier Deschamps has argued that he has chosen not only the best players but also players that can play together. He said that he had chosen Olivier Giroud because he had scored 25 goals in all competition this season and the same thing goes for Griezmann. He believes that the forward players he has selected can play together and can help France go far in the tournament. Among the other forward players that have been selected by Didier Deschamps, we have Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet, Kingsley Coman and Andre-Pierre Gignac. more