Defeated France focus on future

New adventure
Rather than crying over what seems the end of a wonderful era for French football, the 56-year-old preferred to regard this summer as a learning experience and the start of an exciting adventure. Certainly, Les Bleus will take on a fresh look next season, with a host of veterans expected to make way. Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram have already confirmed their international retirements; Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Willy Sagnol and Grégory Coupet are considering their futures.

Quality in abundance
The scene is set for the likes of Sébastien Frey, Patrice Evra, Philippe Mexès, Jérémy Toulalan, Lassana Diarra and Franck Ribéry to step up to the plate and give the France team the kind of backbone that Zinédine Zidane, Thuram, Henry and Vieira formed for many years. Despite the potential departures, the quality still appears to be present in abundance – especially when you add 'la génération 1987' into the mix. Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa all starred in France's UEFA European Under-17 Championship triumph of 2004 and are tipped for long careers in the senior side.

Exceptional season
Some fans may feel disappointed that Benzema and Nasri failed to make an impact in Switzerland. Olympique Lyonnais striker Benzema, in particular, was expected to play an important role after an exceptional domestic campaign culminating in the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award. With France making a cautious start, however, Benzema invariably found himself outnumbered by defenders against Romania then played no part in the 4-1 defeat by the Netherlands. Against Italy, though, he showed his power, skill and versatility – moving into midfield after Eric Abidal's sending-off – and should lead the line for seasons to come.

Substitute cameos
Nasri, like young AS Saint-Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis, had to settle for two substitute cameos. The Olympique de Marseille playmaker showed nice touches after replacing the injured Ribéry early on against the world champions, only to be sacrificed in Domenech's reshuffle 14 minutes later. Ben Arfa was not named in the 23, although the talented Lyon winger will almost certainly be in the reckoning when the FIFA World Cup qualifiers begin, along with highly-rated AS Monaco FC forward Jérémy Menez.

Injury problems
It is always easier bringing youngsters in when the team are confident and playing well – and that has not been the case over the last fortnight. Sagnol, Thuram, Abidal and Florent Malouda all went into the tournament on the back of difficult terms with their clubs and were not at their powerful best, while Henry and Vieira's injuries cast a long shadow. For a France side appearing in a first major finals without Zidane since 1992, the mounting problems eventually proved too much.

Fighting spirit
Defensive solidity had long been France's strength, so when the Netherlands became the first team to score four against them since 1982, the belief was sapped from the players' legs. Seeing their most dangerous attacker injured after ten minutes in Zurich was another significant blow, and Italy – perhaps sensing doubts – went in for the kill. After Abidal's dismissal and Andrea Pirlo's penalty, the contest looked over. Yet the two-time European champions rallied, making a genuine game of it and showing the kind of fighting qualities that inspire hope for the future. With so many outstanding players ready to call it day, supporters will be counting on the next 'golden' generation to ensure a different outcome next time.