It has been a difficult week for almost everyone around the world, let alone the football world, following the terrible terrorist attacks in Paris. One of those attacks targeted the Stade de France as France was playing host to Germany in a friendly and fans at the venue listened to the horror unfold almost in front of them as news of what was happening at a stadium entrance filtered through. It was a night none will ever forget.
Nevertheless, just four days later a grave French side traveled to England for a game many thought would never go ahead at Wembley Stadium – the players taking a brave and defiant stance against terrorism. This was unlike any other match and despite the final 2-0 scoreline in England’s favor, the scoreline was never going to matter too much. In fact, it’s fair to say that the edge of the French players looked blunted – most of them clearly shattered by the events of the past week.
While Tottenham young gun lit the game up with a cracking goal on debut, the real highlight was the two teams standing arm in arm before the game, united. Although French players complained privately that they weren’t consulted on the final decision to play, in the end the match sent a wonderful message to the world.
There were a handful of other meaningful matches during the international break and for very different reasons as the final four play-off berths for Euro 2016 were decided. Zlatan Ibrahimović will join fellow stars such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in France next year with Sweden knocking over their Nordic counterpart Denmark while Ukraine booked their place at the expense of Slovenia.
The biggest surprise packets were Hungary who will play in the European Championships for the first time since 1972 after beating Norway. It will also be their first appearance on the world stage since the 1986 World Cup. And Ireland booked their ticket to the finals after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 on aggregate following a stirring 2-0 win at home in the second leg.
