Raymond Domenech's decision to name Bafétimbi Gomis in an extended 30-man squad at the expense of David Trezeguet upset some experts in France and provoked considerable debate. Few felt Domenech would even consider including the untried AS Saint-Etienne striker in his final list for UEFA EURO 2008™, yet Gomis' performance against Ecuador on Tuesday was so impressive he left the coach with little choice.
Wonderful goals
"No, I won't sleep well tonight," Domenech said moments after seeing the 22-year-old come off the bench and score two wonderfully taken goals on his debut to set up a 2-0 win in Grenoble. Less than 24 hours later, Domenech unveiled his 23-man squad, with Gomis preferred to Djibril Cissé, the man he had replaced at half-time. Domenech had made it clear he would not base his choices on the evidence of one match, but Gomis could not have done more in 45 minutes to convince the trainer to pick him. After an insipid first period the forward's introduction immediately gave the home side more cutting edge. "He has a real presence in front of goal," said Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wenger, commentating on the game for French television.
Drogba comparison
Just before the hour, Gomis collected possession outside the box and arrowed a right-footed shot high into the top corner. He then capped a virtuoso display by acrobatically volleying home Nicolas Anelka's cross, becoming the first Frenchman to score twice on his debut since Zinédine Zidane. "It's good to have won the game and I'm pleased to have scored, but that's not the most important thing," said Gomis, whose raw power and speed have led to comparisons with Didier Drogba. "The fact I've settled in quickly and that the other players have given me a warm welcome is more important. That's one reason why I was able to make a good debut."
Surprise element
Gomis remains behind Thierry Henry, Anelka and Karim Benzema in the forwards' pecking order, although he could be used as a surprise element in Switzerland. While France's Group C rivals may know little about him, regular followers of Ligue 1 have already seen plenty of evidence of Gomis' talent this season. Indeed, his 16 goals, only Benzema and Mamadou Niang scored more, helped St-Etienne finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Cup. "He is a phenomenon and he has a big career in front of him," commented Les Verts goalkeeper Jérémie Janot.
Trademark celebration
St-Etienne fans think equally highly of the man nicknamed 'the Panther' because of his trademark goal celebration of getting on all fours and clawing the air. Born in the south of France, Gomis was picked up by St-Etienne aged 15 and made his first-team debut in 2003/04 before moving on loan to ES Troyes Aube Champagne. He scored just two league goals on his return to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in 2005/06, but reached double figures for the first time the following year and improved his scoring rate again this term. Gomis is of Senegalese descent and turned down several calls from the West African nation before earning his first French cap this week. If his opening cameo is anything to go by, Senegal's loss seems certain to become France's gain.
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