Fans applauded when Zidane was substituted in Wednesday’s win over Denmark, saving roars of approval for Ribery who replaced him.
PARIS: France fans applauded politely when Zinedine Zidane was substituted in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Denmark, saving wild roars of approval for the man who replaced him, Franck Ribery. Ribery was quick to repay their adulation, showing off his dribbling prowess and provoking the penalty that allowed Sylvain Wiltord to double France’s advantage in Lens.
The midfielder, who was born near northern Lens, stayed on the pitch after the final whistle to savour a deserved ovation and it is clear he will play a major role in France’s World Cup campaign.
“I feel really good in that team,” said the energetic 23-year-old. “Every time we train or play together, it’s a lot of fun.” In just two short appearances, Ribery, who made a promising debut in a 1-0 win over Mexico last Saturday, has become everybody’s darling.
The fans chanted his name before he came on for the last 15 minutes against Mexico. They did it again on Wednesday and were rewarded with a 25-minute display packed with thrilling moves.
“The way the public immediately adopted him and love him is amazing,” said striker Thierry Henry, who opened the scoring on Wednesday. Raymond Domenech had overlooked the great hope of French football before including him in his 23-man World Cup squad. The coach now believes Ribery could have a big part to play.
“We selected him for his qualities and we have seen a sample already,” Domenech said. “Let’s hope we will see some more from now to July 9.”
Arguably the finest player in Ligue 1 last season, Olympique Marseille’s Ribery has been hailed as the next Zidane for a while. Some reporters went as far as
suggesting after the match that Ribery should push Zidane on to the substitutes’’ bench.
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