During the 2004 period, the France national football team participated in various international competitions and friendly matches, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Here's an overview of their performance during that time:
UEFA Euro 2004:
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France competed in the UEFA Euro 2004 held in Portugal. Under the management of Jacques Santini, the team featured stars like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Patrick Vieira.
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In the group stage, France was drawn into Group B alongside England, Switzerland, and Croatia. They performed decently, finishing second in their group with one win, one draw, and one loss.
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In the knockout stage, France faced Greece in the quarterfinals. Despite being the reigning champions, France suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against Greece, ending their Euro 2004 campaign in disappointment.
Friendly Matches:
- In addition to their Euro 2004 campaign, France also participated in various friendly matches during the 2004 period. These matches provided opportunities for the team to fine-tune their tactics, test new players, and build cohesion ahead of major tournaments and qualifiers.
Legacy:
- While France's performance in the UEFA Euro 2004 did not result in a successful title defense, their participation provided valuable experience for the team and contributed to the development of football in the country. The lessons learned from competing in the tournament and friendly matches helped France refine their tactics and identify areas for improvement, laying the groundwork for future successes in international football.
