Viguier relaxed as Germany loom large

Despite being under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits them, France are looking ahead to their next test against Germany with an air of tranquillity following their morale-boosting victory against Iceland in their Group B opener.

Hidden goal
There are no signs that the scale of their upcoming task is hampering the relaxed mood within Bruno Bini's camp, as Sabrina Viguier – a substitute in Monday's 3-1 victory – illustrated. France coach Bini has opted not to reveal the team's ambitions for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™, saying only that his players are happy to be in Finland, and Montpellier HSC defender Viguier was happy to pursue the party line. "We focus mainly on ourselves," she said. "That's our top priority; then we can see what happens with our opponents."

No 'heroic act'
Les Bleues claim to be satisfied just to have qualified for Finland after missing out on the FIFA Women's World Cup two years ago. The eventual winners of that particular tournament were, of course, Germany, who retained the global crown to add to their four straight European titles. Viguier is nonetheless adamant that France do not fear Silvia Neid's all-conquering charges, with victory enough to book a quarter-final berth. "It will be a tough game, but I don't think it would be a heroic act [to defeat Germany], let's just say that," the 28-year-old Physical Education teacher explained. "The game starts at 0-0, with eleven players on each side. We have two legs and two arms, just like the Germans do, so I don't think you can call it a heroic deed for us to win against them."

'Same philosophy'
Viguier, who is set to win her 75th cap at Tampere Stadium on Thursday evening, also recalls France's 1-0 defeat of Germany in the Algarve Cup in 2007, earned with a group of players almost identical to the one Bini has at his disposal here in Finland: "I remember that victory well and I know we have the same motivation to succeed this time – the same philosophy." Germany have been warned.