Despite conceding an early goal, France U-19 managed to defeat the courageous Croatian team and book the place in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Final where they will meet Spain.
Exceptionally happy with that is Gaël Kakuta, who scored and equaliser, but is the one to be blamed for Croats taking the lead inside 4 minutes of the game.
Speaking afterwards Kakuta remarked,
'[I was scared] a little as it is because of me we conceded that goal. I miscontrolled the ball, and after that came a foul and the goal. We put pressure on our own shoulders by conceding early.'
The winning goal for France came courtesy of substitute Cédric Bakambu. The Sochaux player came off the bench in place of Yannis Tafer.
Here's what Kakuta had to say on both lads and atmosphere in French camp.
'Cédric did not give up. He scored his two goals in the first match but none in the second nor against England. He kept his chin up and continued working hard in training. This time he came on and scored so it all paid off. He and Yannis are two different styles of player. Cédric lays off the ball and goes while Yannis keeps it and looks for a one-two. [I get on well] with both of them. This is a very good group; everyone has fun with each other. A nice chemistry is born off the pitch and that makes things easy on it.'
Friday's Final brings chance to revenge for French, who were beaten by Spain in 2008 Under-17 Final. Many of those who experienced 4:0 trashing are now in U-19 team, prompting Kakuta to remark,
'Spain are not our old friends, they are our enemies. Two years ago they trashed us 4-0 so it will be a good revenge for us. They take good care of the ball and are very patient. We will try to work on that. It will be a good match. After what they did to us two years ago, everybody is looking forward to it.'
Exceptionally happy with that is Gaël Kakuta, who scored and equaliser, but is the one to be blamed for Croats taking the lead inside 4 minutes of the game.
Speaking afterwards Kakuta remarked,
'[I was scared] a little as it is because of me we conceded that goal. I miscontrolled the ball, and after that came a foul and the goal. We put pressure on our own shoulders by conceding early.'
The winning goal for France came courtesy of substitute Cédric Bakambu. The Sochaux player came off the bench in place of Yannis Tafer.
Here's what Kakuta had to say on both lads and atmosphere in French camp.
'Cédric did not give up. He scored his two goals in the first match but none in the second nor against England. He kept his chin up and continued working hard in training. This time he came on and scored so it all paid off. He and Yannis are two different styles of player. Cédric lays off the ball and goes while Yannis keeps it and looks for a one-two. [I get on well] with both of them. This is a very good group; everyone has fun with each other. A nice chemistry is born off the pitch and that makes things easy on it.'
Friday's Final brings chance to revenge for French, who were beaten by Spain in 2008 Under-17 Final. Many of those who experienced 4:0 trashing are now in U-19 team, prompting Kakuta to remark,
'Spain are not our old friends, they are our enemies. Two years ago they trashed us 4-0 so it will be a good revenge for us. They take good care of the ball and are very patient. We will try to work on that. It will be a good match. After what they did to us two years ago, everybody is looking forward to it.'
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