EURO 2008 INFO

France forward Karim Benzema sees the European Championship as the beginning of his rise to the elite of soccer.

The Lyon striker has made a huge impact in his first full season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions with dazzling play against Manchester United, forcing France coach Raymond Domenech to pick him for several Euro 2008 qualifiers.

At age 20, Benzema is already one of the hottest properties among Europe's young strikers, still a level below FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi but good enough to attract the interest of United and Real Madrid.

"My objective is to reach the top and to surpass myself," said Benzema, who has three goals in nine appearances for France. "I want to reach the top level in the world. It's only the beginning for me. I still have lots to learn and to do."

Benzema's speech came after he won the French league's Player of the Year award from his fellow professionals. He showed little emotion when collecting a trophy others work years to even contend for.

"It doesn't mean I wasn't super happy," Benzema said. "But I always aim higher."

Winning a place in Domenech's team for the June 9 opener against Romania is the first objective, and it probably means Benzema will go against Nicolas Anelka for the right to start alongside Thierry Henry.

Should he play against Romania, or later in Group C games against the Netherlands and Italy, Benzema is bracing himself for a tough debut at his first international tournament.

"I know I am being watched more," Benzema said. "I am taking more hits, but I'm making sure I look after myself."

The Lyon striker has scored 19 league goals, but has also been on the receiving end of some heavy challenges as defenders struggle to cope with his pace and trickery.

It's not just the defenders in the French league who've struggled, either.

Established England international Rio Ferdinand and Manchester United teammate Nemanja Vidic were powerless to stop Benzema in a Champions League match on Feb. 20.

It took a moment of rare individual skill to unlock United's defense in the 55th minute of the match at Stade Gerland. Benzema controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area with his back to the goal, spun quickly between Ferdinand and Vidic with one touch, and then hit a shot into the bottom corner before United's startled defenders could react.

Not only did Benzema's goal show rare skill and balance, he also was able to think logically at the same time.

"I didn't look at the goal because I already knew where it was," Benzema said. "I took three touches and placed the ball between the goalkeeper and the post and it went in."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas reacted quicker than United's defenders could manage to, promptly extending Benzema's contract until 2013 and proudly declaring he wanted Benzema to stay with the club for life.

This was all in a bid to ward off other European clubs from his most valuable asset — for now.

Benzema has promised Lyon one more year, but a strong showing at Euro 2008 and the offers may be too much even for Aulas to resist.