For Kossi Agassagoalkeeper, 2012 is already shaping up to be an important year. His club, Reims, are seemingly on course for promotion to Ligue 1, while he also dreams of a return to the FIFA World Cup ™ Togowith.
Reims lie second in Ligue 2 and have their sights set on rejoining the top Franceflight, where they enjoyed one of the most successful spells in their history. In fact, in the postwar period, Reims won the National Championship six times and twice finished runner-up to Real Madrid in the Cup fans. Some European UEFA might believe that these exploits ever will be matched, but a return to the elite would certainly be a step in the right direction.
"We're not playing for promotion," FIFA.comAgassa said. "Our goal is to ensure that we avoid relegation as quickly as possible. Then we'll see if we are not in a good position. "
Recent performances Reims were nothing if not encouraging, but with half season still at play, players are understandably anxious to keep our feet on the ground. "The club is restructuring gradually," explained Agassa, who arrived in Europe in 2002.
"It is my fourth year here [in Reims] and really I noticed a change. Everyone, at every level, is trying to do everything possible to help us thrive in French football. Every player wants to play at the highest level. "
At the age of 33 years, Agassa believes still has the ability to shine in Ligue 1 and backing up those claims with some fine running awesome monitor Reims in 2010/11 Francede Coupe. After knocking at Montpellier, la Ligue 2 side defeated Rennes in a hilarious meeting with saving two penalties Agassa. Reims eventually fell to Nice in the quarterfinals, but the Cup run provided a taste of success and only increased their desire to return to the top level of French football.
2006 dream memories, 2014
In addition to push can promote Reims, spring 2012 will also be a crucial period for Agassa internationally, with the second round of African qualifying for Brazil 2014 that looms on the horizon. Togo exceeded the Guinea-Bissau to seal their progress to the second round, and after a few years, west Africans can finally dare to dream again.
"Togolese football is in a transition phase," said former goalkeeper for Etoile Filante. "We are preparing for future challenges, such as the Tin in 2013 and 2014 World Championships. We couldn't make the can in 2012, but sometimes you need a year as you bounce back stronger ".
Emmanuel Adebayorback to the national set-up is an encouraging sign Togofor, as explained Agassa. "He is the biggest star of the team, and we missed him during his absence," said the goalkeeper, who has 52 caps to his name.
"We are now back on track and we can aim higher, we were able to over the past two years. Emmanuel and I are among the players of the senior team. I am one of the oldest and we are there to guide the younger players, whose task will be to bring the national team in years to come. "
Agassa was No1 in Togocourse of the inaugural World Cup campaign in 2006, so he is well aware of the opportunity that lies before him and his teammates. "It was an honor to play at the World Cup," he said. "Our performance Franceagainst, particularly in the first half, is a great memory for me."
France eventual finalists won that first round tie 2-0, but Agassa undoubtedly will remember with fondness the match. Pulled by a save of the tournament, nullify David Trezeguet from point-blank range after keeping out initial effort of Florent Malouda.
"I've never played in the Champions League or League of Europe, but I can say that I played in a World Cup, and that is a competition that trumps all," said Agassa, clearly excited by the prospect of returning to the world stage Togowith. "Once you've tasted only want one thing, namely to go back there again. We need to do so as we can perhaps in our qualification and give us a strong possibility of experiencing it all again. "
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