French homework earns full marks

France and Turkey both ended the 2005 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup with maximum points as each recorded their fourth victories in the final round of matches on Friday. France fell behind in the 12th minute against Egypt in Soke thanks to Sherif Ashraf Okily's strike, but Jérémy Menez quickly levelled and two second-half Karim Benzema goals and a late Franck Songo'o strike secured a 4-1 success. Ergin Keles also scored twice, meanwhile, in Turkey's 3-1 win against Cameroon, for whom Jean Baptiste Dalle brought them back into contention only for Evariste Ngollock's own goal to finally end the African team's hopes. uefa.com rounds up the reaction.

EGYPT 1-4 FRANCE
Ismail Youssef, Egypt coach
It was a very tough match, especially in the first half, and in the second I think our players looked very tired. I think that, with more international experience, my team will do well in the future. France are a very strong team - European Under-17 champions - and they played very well today, particularly in the second half. We scored a very good goal as well, which gives me a lot of pleasure. From this tournament, the most important thing we have gained is experience; now we have more confidence, technical expertise and power. There is a big difference in styles between Europe and Africa, and it has been good for my players to learn that. I wish we had managed to win a game, but the difference between us and the European sides is discipline and confidence. Next we play a number of friendlies and hope to use there what we have learnt here.

Philippe Bergeroo, France coach
We are very satisfied with the result, because we knew the value of this Egyptian team. We watched their previous games on video and saw that they were the most tactical of the African teams. We prepared ourselves well for this game, but still the first half was still very difficult. They are a very good team with players who are comfortable on the ball and caused us problems. But we imposed ourselves in the second half and could have scored more goals. I think this was our most difficult match of the tournament, and I am surprised in my players, because I did not think we could win four matches out of four. We have players who always want to win, who are very well motivated. Next, we play two friendlies each against Germany and Slovakia, and then we begin our preparations for the 2005/06 [UEFA] European Under-19 Championship.

TURKEY 3-1 CAMEROON
Metin Tekin, Turkey coach
It was difficult game, and our problem was passing the ball well up front. I think more goals would have been scored if we had shown more composure in front of goal. We outplayed Cameroon and never felt under threat by them. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the discipline and understanding they showed even after losing a game. They embrace themselves and their opponents, showing that what is important in this competition is the participation and not the only the victory. It also brought us closer to know more about the African teams.

Fritz Mbella, Cameroon assistant coach
Tactically, we were not in good form. Two of our players were not fit to play due to injury and the third was suspended. Our goalkeeper suffered a serious injury in the first half, which also affected us. The Meridian Cup has enabled us to know the difference between African and European teams, who are more tactical and organised. We have to go back, look into our problems and work harder.