'Trezegol' Again a Hero For France
PARIS (August 17, 2000 10:10 a.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - After the drought, the deluge - world and European champions France has unearthed an embarrassment of attacking riches after years of searching for an effective striker.
David Trezeguet's superb hat-trick against a FIFA World Stars team, following his golden goal that won France the European title, confirmed him as a forward of the highest order.
Trezeguet, now dubbed "Trezegol," netted the first three goals - the first hat trick by a France striker for 15 years - as his side trounced its makeshift opponents 5-1 in a charity match in Marseille on Wednesday.
Trezeguet took the gala game very seriously with three pieces of exemplary finishing in the 11th, 27th and 46th minutes before being replaced after 51 minutes.
France won the 1998 World Cup without a recognized goalscorer and made the most of striker Thierry Henry's run of form during their successful run at Euro 2000.
Trezeguet now stands alongside Henry and Nicolas Anelka as a top-class striker for national coach Roger Lemerre to call upon as he builds towards the 2002 World Cup.
"Trezeguet is showing great improvement and we hope he will continue that improvement in Italy," said Lemerre.
DECISIVE GOAL
Trezeguet moved from Monaco to Juventus in a $26.5 million close season deal before scoring the decisive goal when France beat Italy 2-1 in the Euro 2000 final.
Wednesday's three goals were the first hat-trick by a French striker since Dominique Rocheteau scored three in a 6-0 victory over Luxembourg back in 1985. Trezeguet now has 11 goals in 22 international appearances.
Trezeguet's accuracy, which was supported by further strikes from Robert Pires and Anelka, was the highlight of an emotional Marseille farewell for 34-year-old central defender Laurent Blanc, who is quitting international football.
Blanc is likely to win his last cap against England at the Stade de France on September 2 but made the most of his last big game at the Stade Velodrome, where he was once a great favorite with the Olympique Marseille fans.
"It was a beautiful evening, very emotional for me," Inter Milan's Blanc said. "It was special because it was a benefit match and because it was in Marseille, which is a special place for me.
"It was great that when the French team got together again, it showed that it still remembered how to win."
