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France shines Opponents hope for a Jan Breydel to stop world champ
Posted: Monday June 12, 2000 06:14 PM
Jan Breydel is a Flemish hero who liberated Flanders from French oppressors almost 700 years ago. In the beautiful canal city of Bruges, Belgium -- several centuries after the French last invaded -- there was another invasion from across the border and a conquest of the stadium named after the legendary Breydel. World champion France was the marauding football menace this time, sending Denmark fleeing the Belgian borders for a Dutch date with Euro 2000 co-host Holland. French fans turned the city into a grand celebration of Les Bleus. And this time it was all good-natured stuff... no Breydel needed to banish the French troops this time. France spanked Denmark 3-nil and looked every bit the second favorite of the tournament. Later, once the co-host Holland had escaped with a fortunate 1-nil win over the Czech Republic in the same Group D, one had to believe France was actually more worthy of top billing on the list of would-be winners. The French tremendous on home ground in winning the World Cup. But now they are better. Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka added a cutting edge in attack that the French lacked two years ago.
With their super speed and predatory instincts, they reminded me of the ferocious dinosaurs made known to us by Jurassic Park. Remember the velociraptors? They hunt in pairs and almost always cunningly make the kill. Henry put the Danes out of their misery on Sunday. Already a goal down and a class below its opponents, Denmark was effectively finished off by Henry's superb run and goal. France, fielding eight players who had some role in the World Cup final victory over Brazil, are like some kind of super club team. They have familiarity and camaraderie unmatched by the other 15 teams in Euro 2000.
And any one of those other nations happening to tune in to the French triumph just have to believe the 2000 European Championship title goes through the French. I wonder if any of them have a Jan Breydel to help them out? Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International. Jones is part of the World Sport crew that is in the Netherlands and Belgium covering Euro 2000.
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