Platini's Magic SquareCarré Magique
During the 1980s, the French national team exhibited an elegant, skilful, and attacking style of play. Similar to their South American counterparts the team earned the nickname of the "Brazilians of Europe". They flourished under their coach Michel Hidalgo, and were led by the immensely gifted playmaker and captain Michel Platini, who, alongside Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse, and the tough tackling Luis Fernández, formed 'Le Carré Magique' ('Magic Square'). Considered to be one of the greatest midfield quartets in the history of the game, they developed a blueprint system that has been repeatedly emulated. Le Carré Magique were the heart of the French national team throughout the 80's. In Spain, FIFA World Cup 1982, they were knocked out (quite literally) by Germany in an infamous semi-final clash. In 1984, they became champions of Europe in Paris, steering France to a 2-0 victory over Spain in the UEFA European Championships Final. Platini scored the first of the two goals in the final. Incredibly, it was his 9th goal of the tournament, and France's 14th across an undefeated five-game passage to the final.
'If a FIFA World Cup tournament had been held every year between 1982 and 1986, France would have won two or three.'
Michel Platini
'When I was a kid and played with my friends, I always chose to be Platini. I would let my friends share between them the names of my other idols.'
Zinedine Zidane