Henry silences critics by scoring a brace
COIMBRA: Thierry Henry finally answered his critics with two goals in a 12-minute span in France's game against Switzerland on Monday, ending his five-match goal drought for Les Bleus.
Henry's two late goals ensured France's passage into the Euro 2004 quarter-finals, and the relief was sensed throughout the team.
“That will do the team a lot of good,” said Zinedine Zidane, who scored France's opening goal in the 3-1 win over Switzerland. “His play on both goals was very good and now that will make everyone happy, especially him.”
Coach Jacques Santini agreed.
“It is absolutely important for him to score,” Santini said .”He is also a leader in our group, and is there to finish off our attacking situations.
“With Henry, (David) Trezeguet and Zidane scoring, this now shows our opponents we have several options to score. They'll have to think about it.”
Henry put France 2-1 ahead in the 76th minute with a simple strike after substitute Louis Saha's header fell to his feet. His second, in the 84th minute, was more like the brilliant Henry, who ran defenders ragged at Arsenal last season.
Collecting the ball 40 metres out, Henry span round then sped toward the heart of the defence. Jinking inside his marker, he feinted to shoot, and then drove the ball inside the near post.
Henry played down his impact, saying only: “I played as well as I have done in the other games, the only difference tonight was the goals.
“I always give my best out there, I'm not pretending to try hard.”
But the relief in the team was clear as Henry was mobbed by teammates. Santini, normally an impassive figure on the touchline, pumped his fists in the air.
Prior to Monday's match, Henry had scored only once in 10 matches for club and country – and that was a penalty kick against lowly Leicester City.
His performances had been lacklustre against England and Croatia. Early on against Switzerland, he also struggled to make an impact, other than a header, which he sent over the crossbar.
His double against the battling Swiss took Henry's international tally to 27 in 61 games and promises better things for the rest of the tournament – starting with the quarter-final against Greece on Friday.
“Thierry will be flying now,” said Saha. “He will take off.”
Strike partner Trezeguet said the criticism of Henry and other players in the side had been too harsh.
“The players deserve more respect than what we have been hearing left and right,” the Juventus forward said. – AP
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