In the build up to Euro 2016, ThatsMags.com will be profiling Euro 2016 Shanghai Fans from all 24 countries taking part in the tournament in France. Representing the host nation is a man who makes sure the former French Concession retains its Gallic flair, Cafe de Stagiaires owner Max Bonon.
France, Group A
Opponents: Romania, Albania & Switzerland
Odds: 3/1
Greatest moment ever?
It was my 10th birthday that day and I remember it as if it were yesterday. Our national football team gave me the best present ever. It was in 1998, and we lifted the World Cup.
Greatest moment in Euros?
The final of Euro 2000. France was playing against Italy. The game goes to extra time. Then arrives the 103rd minute and magnificent goal scored by David Trezeguet (above). After that it’s just joy and tears.
Worst moment ever?
Losing against cheaters such as Germans, or even worst Italians.
The first game that comes to my mind is the World Cup semi-final we lost against West Germany in 1982, and this outrageous kung-fu attack made by their goalkeeper Harald Schumacher on Patrick Battiston (below). Battiston was knocked unconscious and slipped into a coma, losing two teeth and sustaining three cracked ribs. Michel Platini said that he thought Battiston had died, because "he had no pulse."
The second one happens in World Cup Final 2006 against Italy. I guess everyone remember this good head-butt given by Zidane to this creepy fellow Materazzi. It was the last game of our greatest player and we also lost the World Cup.
Worst moment in Euros?
I don’t have a particular worst moment in the Euros. We've always deserve the different trajectories we've had in this competition. If I really have to find one specific moment, it would be Samir Nasri joining the French team in 2008.
Where you and your countrymen (and women) will be watching it in Shanghai?
French games at Café des Stagiaires on Dagu Lu. Then it depends of team playing, but most regularly I will always go watch my games at The Camel, since O’Malley's left us few years ago.
Song the fans sing?
La Marseillaise, of course. Which better song & hymn can you sing?
Biggest rivals?
Some would say Belgium will be the biggest rival in this Euros, but I really doubt about it. They are still very young and missing the experience to go all the way. The toughest will be Germany for sure.
Star Man?
He will never be forgotten, the best player we ever had in our national team, maybe one of the best player of all time, Zinedine Zidane! But for this Euro I think that one of our best player will be Antoine Griezmann (above). He's having a very great year with Atletico Madrid and has played fantastic football with the French team.
One to watch?
Two very young men under 20 - Anthony Martial playing at Manchester United and Kingsley Coman
from Bayern Munich are two amazing players with incredible skills. They remind of two young guys from the World Cup 1998, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet. Enjoying great seasons at their clubs, they will be for sure amazing jokers for France.
Bad Boy?
We have talked a lot about the French team these last years, and not only for good and only for sport. Indeed, one of our players, Patrice Evra, was one of the strike leaders during the South African World Cup. More recently, you maybe heard of the sex tape scandal between Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena (pictured below, not creating the sex tape in question, although where exactly is are Valbuena's hands?!)
Boy Blunder?
There is only one coming to my mind, The King Eric Cantona. Of course he stopped playing for France a while ago, but he would be the only boy blunder remaining for France. I am sure Brits will agree with us on that one.
Heart Throb?
Maybe not the best scorer of all time but for sure a predator for ladies, the former player from Montpellier, Olivier Giroud.
So what are your chances?
Luckily for us we are playing at home. Last time it happened it ended with a happy ending. Let’s hope it will be the same this time.
Want to write about your country? Email us at editor@urbanatomy.com.
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