The coronation of 84, the nightmare of 93 … The French team at the Parc des Princes in five key dates

The France team can already validate its ticket for the 2022 World Cup against the Kazakhstan Saturday 13 November. A match initially planned at the Stade de France then relocated to the Parc des Princes, a legendary stadium for the Tricolores. Between the first coronation of a French team at the Euro in 1984 or the disillusionment with Bulgaria in 1993, back to the highlights of the Blues in the Parisian lair.

May 25, 1972: inauguration of the “New Park”

After 75 years of existence and a first renovation in 1932, the Parc des Princes was given a facelift again in 1972, under the orders of architect Roger Taillibert. A refurbishment and a new capacity (50,000 seats) which contrast with a dilapidated stadium, cut in 1967 of two stands because of the construction of the ring road. For its first meeting in this new modernized enclosure with close stands, the French team bowed against the USSR (3-1) in front of around 35,000 spectators. A baptism of fire failed, marred, in addition to the defeat, by the criticisms emitted by the public concerning the device of the stadium and in particular the reduced capacity of the car park, ecausing traffic problems.

November 18, 1981: Michel Platini delivers the Blues against the Netherlands

On November 18, 1981, the France of Michel Hidalgo can qualify for the World 82 in Spain in case of victory against the Dutch at the Parc des Princes. The Blues dominate the first act without managing to materialize on the scoreboard.

That evening, the savior is called Michel Platini. The AS Saint-Etienne player delivers his own in the 52nd minute with a superb saving free kick leaving no chance for the Oranjes goalkeeper Van Breukelen. Didier Six sealed the score at the end of the match allowing the Habs to eliminate (2-0) the finalist of the last two World Cups. The Parc des Princes rejoices.

Jul 27in 1984: first title for France, the Parc en ébulition

Two years after his traumatic failure against the FRG (West Germany) in the semifinals of the World Cup in Seville (3-3, 5 tab to 4), the France of Michel Hidalgo, stung in its pride, can catch up at home and win Euro 84. Luck turns this time to the good side: Michel Platini’s teammates take advantage of an error by the Spanish goalkeeper Arconada to win the final (2-0) and celebrate their first title major in front of a cheering crowd. On this day, the Parc des Princes welcomes more than 47,000 spectators.

March 26, 1986: the Tricolores bring down Argentina, future World champion

On March 26, 1986 against Argentina, who will be consecrated world champion three months later in Mexico City, the Blues set the Parc des Princes on fire by dominating the match brilliantly. However, opposite, the great Diego Maradona is well on the meadow with his accomplices Jorge Burruchaga, Jorge Valdano and others. Jean-Marc Ferreri opened the scoring with a header on a service from Luis Fernandez in the first period and Philippe Vercruysse doubled the end of the game. The match is pleasant and the technical quality displayed by the Tricolores delighted the public like the heel of Luis Fernandez came to break the Argentinian pressing, before Maxime Bossis offered himself a big bridge on Oscar Ruggeri. Gala evening for the Blues.

November 17, 1993: snightmarish evening at the Parc des Princes

On November 17, 1993, France had almost one foot in the United States for the 1994 World Cup. All it needed was a victory against Israel or a draw against Bulgaria to qualify. Two home games for two striking disappointments. The France team, beaten by Israel (3-2), is also surprised by a valiant Bulgarian team carried by a great Emil Kostadinov, scorer in the last moments of the game, following a powerful strike that came to the ground all the French hopes of flying to the United States. Bulgaria wins against France (2-1) and an icy silence invades the Parc des Princes. The Blues are on the ground.