GUWAHATI: JULY 30, 1966 was a pretty remarkable day in the world of football. It was the day when England beat West Germany to become world champions.
Something else happened that day. France rediscovered their footballing mojo. A blueprint was drawn as officials saw how they had regressed. The boffins at the Federation Francaise de Football (FFF) had identified the problem, but not for nothing do they say that it's darkest before dawn. They failed to qualify for the next two World Cups (1970 and 1974).
While fans lost interest, FFF quietly made changes. The Institut National de Football (INF) — a first-of-its-kind centre of excellence — was established in 1972.
They wrote a new bible that was to be followed by any kid hoping to become a footballer. INF also asked all registered clubs to create centres of excellence. A revolution was afoot. Fourth place at the 1982 World Cup was just a teaser. France won the 1984 Euros, captained by Michel Platini.
Why was Platini immediately recognised as the face of INF, even though he was playing for Juventus? "Platini was a graduate of Nancy, one of the first French clubs to adopt INF's idea of centres of excellence," wrote French journalist Matt Spiro in Blizzard.
Underwhelming, though, has been a part of the French psyche. They failed to qualify for the 1988 Euros. FFF decided to crack the whip again. This time, it had a lasting impact.
INF moved from Vichy to Clairefontaine, a 60-km, 60-minute drive from Paris. The academy was expanded to include kids who weren't yet teenagers.
In 1991, a child named Thierry Henry enrolled. In 1992, another called Nicholas Anelka followed.
Eight years later, France held both the Euros and the World Cup . Even the senior team had started practicing at Clairefontaine.
Anelka and Henry were torchbearers to embrace a brave, more-vibrant France. Zinedine Zidane was the emperor, but Henry was the project's oxygen. Clairefontaine had inadvertently encouraged professional clubs to develop their structures.
Julien Sokol, a scout for Olympique Lyonnais, describes it using Amine Gouiri — a favourite to win the Golden Boot at the U-17 World Cup — as an example.
"Amine arrived in Lyon when he was 13," he tells Express. "We had been following him for two years prior to that, and it was evident he was precocious even then. A few clubs were tracking (him), and we moved fast enough."
Lyon has embraced that model more than most; four of their players are at the World Cup.
Sokol's description of Clairefontaine reveals why it is held in such high regard, even after failures over the last decade. "The relationship between player and ball is the king. So, by the time a kid graduates, technical aspects are already keyed in."
You might have heard of one of its latest products: Kylian Mbappe. It's obvious that the French U-17 coach Lionel Rouxel reveres Clairefontaine. "What can I say... it's the home of football in France."
It's not a surprise when he says that five from the academy are in the 21-man squad.
The Lyon finishing school isn't as prolific, but Sokol has a warning. "Do watch our new nugget (a potential star), Willem Guebbels. He is 16, a forward and has already made his debut for the senior team."
swaroop@newindianexpress.com