Tough Matuidi set to impose will against Germany
RIO DE JANEIRO: Blaise Matuidi is lucky to be able to play in France’s quarterfinal against Germany, but his presence at the Maracana Stadium on Friday will be vital for Les Bleus.
The 27-year-old was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card in Monday’s last-16 win against Nigeria when a crunching tackle on Ogenyi Onazi. Matuidi went into the Nigeria dressing room after France’s 2-0 win to apologise for the tackle.
Indeed, it was uncharacteristic of a player who is less known for his aggression than for his tireless running in midfield and who is now as indispensable for his country as he is for French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
He will win his 28th cap for France as they look to get the better of a German side who are among the favourites.
Matuidi, who scored in the 5-2 group-stage win against Switzerland, forms a classy midfield trident with Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba, a trio that offers passing ability, energy and pace along with a goalscoring threat.
Matuidi has made more passes than any of his colleagues, and covers more distance too, his stamina showing no sign of letting-up as he prepares to play in a 66th game for club and country since the start of the season.
“Germany are the favourites because of their past record. But anything can happen in one match,” warns Matuidi. FEET ON THE GROUND Matuidi, who grew up supporting PSG and eventually joined the capital side in 2011, has cited Jay-Jay Okocha as his boyhood hero and Claude Makelele as his role-model.
While one was an outrageously talented playmaker and the other became known as a holding midfielder of the last decade, Matuidi is an example of today’s box-to-box player.
“My role is to break in behind the first line of defence. We always say, when you get the ball, you need to quickly drive forward,” he told daily L’Equipe.
News of a new deal at PSG came as a disappointment to his suitors across Europe, but Matuidi has always kept his feet on the ground. “My parents come from Angola. They left the country due to the war there and spent some time in Zaire before trying their luck in Europe,” he says. He adds that he is very proud of his Angolan origins, but that “deep down, I always wanted to play for France.”