Benzema cautiously optimistic after friendly draw
Karim Benzema sought to take the positives from last night’s listless goalless draw against Belgium but conceded Les Bleus still have work to do if they are to challenge at Euro 2012 next summer.
Yesterday’s stalemate in Paris was sufficient for Laurent Blanc’s men to preserve their unbeaten record in 2011, a run during which France booked their place at next year’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine as Group D winners and picked up an eye-catching friendly win over Brazil.
France’s upward trajectory since the nadir of last year’s World Cup is undeniable, but Real Madrid striker Benzema is refusing to get carried away with their progress – insisting Spain and Germany remain the benchmark.
“Obviously, we have not won anything yet,” Benzema told L’Equipe.
“When we see Germany and Spain, they know how to use the ball. Our team is still young, but we are trying.
“Already, we have qualified for the Euros, which is good. I would say now we need to increase our level of play, gain momentum and get out of the group.
“[But] the key for us is that we have not lost a game in 2011.”
Reflecting on last night’s draw against a Belgium side who have not qualified for Euro 2012 but who nevertheless possess a good deal of quality in their ranks, Benzema added: “Everybody expected goals, risk taking, but we came up against a good team in Belgium.
“They defended well, they even had a very good opportunity late in the game but there was a very good stop by [France goalkeeper Hugo] Lloris.
“It was a tough game. We had control of the ball, but we still failed in the final third.”
Benzema added: “At each match, we want to put in three or four goals, but in football today I do not see which team can do it.
“I hope it will be better next time, but the goal is to be ready for the Euros.”
France today learned that they have been placed in the fourth pot of teams for the draw for the group stage at Euro 2012 – a consequence of their slide to 15th in the world rankings – and face the prospect of any number of ’group of death’ combinations.
The worst-case scenario would see France grouped with Spain, Germany and Portugal, but Benzema is refusing to look too far ahead.
“We will see,” he said.
“But for me there is no good or bad draw.
“To get to the final, we will need to beat all teams.”
The next assignment for the French is a high-profile friendly against Germany at the end of February, a game which Benzema believes will act as a good acid test for France’s development under Blanc.
“Yes, it will be a good test to know the level of the France team,” he said.
“Germany is one of two or three best teams in the world. It’s an important game for everybody.”
