PLATINI JUST MAGNIFIQUE
Skipper leads French to superb home win
AT the present time Michel Platini’s star may no longer shine as it once did – certainly not as brightly as back at the 1984 Euros when he illuminated the competition in a way that even t*he Alpha Canis Majoris couldn’t.
The French captain finished the tournament with a superb nine-goal haul – a record that still stands.
By this stage of his career the Juventus player was recognised as one of the best midfielder’s in the world – he already had two Ballon d’or’s under his belt with another to come the following year.
Along with fellow midfielders Alain Giresse, Luis Fernandez and Jean Tigana, he helped form France’s carre magique (magic square) – the latter, Tigana, winning the the player of the tournament despite his skipper’s goals.
When the final got underway home fans in the Parc des Princes had to endure an early period of dominance from Spain, with right back Santiago Urquiaga in particular causing some consternation with his runs and crosses down the flank.
France eventually took a stranglehold on the game, but despite their best efforts they didn’t open the scoring until 12 minutes into the second half.
The goal, coming from the boot of Platini (who else), had more than a touch of good fortunate about it – Spanish keeper Luis Arcondada somehow let the midfielder’s underhit free-kick slip through his hands.
Spain never recovered from this setback and the hosts prevailed, their second goal coming from a Bruno Bellone chip after he was released by the impressive Tigana in the 90th minute.
FRANCE: Joel Bats, Patrick Battiston, Yvon Le Roux, Maxime Bossis, Jean-francois Domergue, Luis Fernandez, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana, Michel Platini (c), Bernard Lacombe, Bruce Genghini.
SPAIN: Luis Arconada (c), Santiago Urquiaga, Salva, Ricardo Gallego, Jose Antonio Camacho, Juilo Alberto, Juan Antonio Senor, Victor Munoz, Francisco, Santillana, Francisco Jose Carrasco.