As France approaches another crucial match for qualification to the 2006 World Cup, the nation waits in suspense. With Henry and Trezeguet injured, and Thuram and Zidane recovering, these are the reasons for the entire nation’s concern.
However, this does not stop one man from preparing for this match as it should be. Clément d’Antibes and his faithful rooster Balthazar are once again getting ready to pack their bags and join the French team for two crucial matches in the race to the 2006 World Cup.
Clément Tomaszewski is preparing for his 92nd match with the French team. This friendly supporter of Les Bleus began following them in 1982 during the Spanish World Cup.
Driven by his passion, he has traveled to every corner of the globe: Spain, Italy, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, and more. Originally from Antibes, he took a few minutes from his preparations to answer our questions:
Clément, how did you develop your passion for football?
“I’ve always loved football. But initially, it was actually rugby. I’m originally from the Southwest, so that’s why. In September 1969, I landed on the Côte d’Azur after my military service. I couldn’t find a rugby club that suited me, so I opted for football. But I had already given up rugby in my youth in favor of football.”
Can you give us your thoughts on the upcoming crucial matches for the French team?
“Saturday we win, simply put. Given the last 3 matches we’ve played, it can only be very good, especially for confidence. Since the end of the last Euros, I found the French team a bit pale. But with the return of the veterans, Les Bleus have regained their color. Personally, I’ve rediscovered the conquering spirit of the 1998/2000 generation and I am quite pleased.”
A prediction?
“Definitely a victory and the qualification. I’m going to act like [Raymond] Domenech and play astrologer. For the first time, it’s almost like in ’98, France will play two games on October 8 and 12 and in ’98, they played on July 8 and 12 with the results we know. So I’d say for the match against Switzerland 2-1 and for the match against Cyprus 3-0. And moreover, it’s not me saying this, it’s Balthazar.”
You have an impressive record with some of the greatest matches in the history of French football. Where will you stop?
“It’s true I’ve seen some nice matches. If all goes well, I will celebrate my 100th selection in Germany, which would be wonderful. And as for my goals, I want to match Deschamps’ record of selections, Marcel Desailly’s seems far but we’ll see. But I’m not just a supporter of the Blues, I love football in general and that’s why I also support the clubs from the South, my adopted region. I also regularly attend games at Le Ray and Louis II.”
You’ve created an association, can you tell us a bit about it?
“You know I work at a hospital. So I like helping others. I wanted to use my notoriety to help young people in difficulty to attend football matches, primarily those of the French team, but also of Monaco or Nice. In this perspective, I have made an agreement with the ‘Mission Locale Antipolis’. I take charge of the youth, I take them to the stadium, and then bring them back home after. For long trips, we of course see the game but not only that. There’s a whole touristic itinerary depending on where the game is played. We visit the city and its surroundings and what there is to see that’s interesting. It’s a cultural trip topped off with the match and meeting some players, when it’s possible because they are not often available. But for that my notoriety really helps.”
Before we finish, a word on the paths of AS Monaco and OGC Nice?
“As for Monaco, I’m saddened by the departure of Didier Deschamps, especially under such circumstances. We mustn’t forget that he made us all dream by taking his club to the Champions League final. But well, I hope they will bounce back because they are not in their rightful place. And regarding OGC Nice, well I’d say what everyone thinks, that is, they need to be more demanding at Le Ray. The atmosphere there is fabulous, but it’s not enough. We have a lot of opportunities but we don’t put them away. This lack of realism is concerning. We lost a lot of points at home and I hope we won’t regret it at the end of the season.”
Sébastien Griffet
To contact “Clément d’Antibes Association”:
298 chemin du petit four
“La Claire Fontonne” 06600 Antibes
Tel: 04.93.33.27.23