French Coach: Zidane is World's Best
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands -- France coach Roger Lemerre described his magical midfielder Zinedine Zidane as the world's best player on Saturday, 24 hours before his team was to take on Italy in Sunday's Euro 2000 final.
"When Zinedine gets the ball, it's magic," Lemerre told a news conference. "France certainly have in him the best player in the world today."
The great French No. 10, whose two headed goals helped France beat Brazil 3-0 in the World Cup final two years ago, has been hugely instrumental in his side's progression to the Rotterdam final.
Not only has he orchestrated play brilliantly, but he also scored a superb free kick in the 2-1 win over Spain in the quarterfinals and he converted the golden goal penalty which saw France oust Portugal 2-1 for a place in the final.
"His capacity to eliminate markers and his passing are unique," said Lemerre. "Apart from his skills, he is also mentally very strong, as he demonstrated by scoring that golden goal. He never doubts."
Juventus player Zidane is one of many French squad members with an inside knowledge of Italian football, which Lemerre said would be precious.
"The fact that several players know the Italian game very well will be a considerable help," said the French coach, aware that his team could become the first reigning world champions to win the European title.
"This French team has the possibility to make history but first of all, there is a match to play, which promises to be a tough contest," he said.
France, who won a first European title in 1984 in Paris, have never played in a major tournament final outside France.
The French have not lost to Italy since a 2-1 defeat at the 1978 World Cup and knocked them out on penalties in the quarterfinals in their triumphant World Cup campaign two years ago.
"Having beaten them on the way to World Cup victory is an advantage," said Lemerre.
"But then the Dutch were the favorites against Italy," he added, referring to Thursday's semifinal won on penalties by an Italian side down to 10 men for most of the game.
"Italy is a very strong team with a great tradition. We must not forget that they have won the World Cup three times.
"We might get there too one day, but there's still a long way to go."
