France | VS
| Chile |
| Date/Time: | Aug 10, 2011, 7:00 pm(GMT) |
| Competition: | Friendly |
| Live/Repeat: | Live |
France vs Chile Preview
France's bright new hope Marvin Martin is one of the most talked-about players in the squad.
However, the man himself insists he feels exactly as he did the first time he was called up for his country.
The 23-year-old burst onto the international scene with a stunning performance on debut as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Ukraine in June, when the highly-rated Sochaux man scored twice and set up another.
Martin's display in Donetsk immediately drew comparisons with Zinedine Zidane's senior bow for France against the Czech Republic in 1994 and as the squad gathered in Montpellier for Wednesday night's friendly against Chile, he was one of the main focuses of attention.
But the player himself told sports daily L'Equipe: "For me, nothing has changed. I have come here (to play for France) as if it was for the first time.
"The only difference is that I know everyone a little better. I just want to continue my momentum, without getting pressure."
Asked about the increased scrutiny, Martin added: "During the holidays, I just put the phone aside. I was in Malaga, incognito ... But it is true that there are actually more people who recognise me now. I've realised that during the (pre-season) friendlies."
The comparison with Zidane is one which annoys Martin, who is relaxed about his future despite the inevitable speculation linking him with a move to a bigger club.
"Zidane is Zidane, there will only ever be one," he said. "The comparisons must stop.
"Each player has his style, his personality."
On the subject of leaving Sochaux, Martin added: "No matter where I play, I always give 100%. There are people who are there to do the rest. For now, my agent has left me alone to get on with playing.
"If I have to stay, there will be no worries, no disappointment. If I have to leave, my priority is to stay in France."
France coach Laurent Blanc, whose side travel to Albania and Romania for Euro 2012 qualifiers next month, will have to do without Patrice Evra for the match against Chile at the Stade de la Mosson.
The Manchester United left-back has been declared unfit after he injured his left knee injury during the Community Shield match against Manchester City on Sunday.
City new boy Gael Clichy has been called into the squad by coach Laurent Blanc.
Clichy, 26, has won ten senior caps for his country and last featured in the friendly against Croatia in March.
For Chile, the match serves as a high-quality warm-up match before their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign begins in October, having taken part in the Copa America last month.
National coach Claudio Borghi told Chilean newspaper La Tercera: "It will be a good measure of how we are."
Barcelona new boy Alexis Sanchez is expected to play only a limited part in the match, with La Tercera reporting he may only feature for 45 minutes and not necessarily from the start.
Chile start their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign with a trip to Argentina on October 7 and a home game against Peru four days later.
