Domenech has announced his starting team, one minor surprise: Diarra is going to receive his first cap, starting alongside his Chelsea teammate Makelele.
Coupet - Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal - Makelele, Toulalan, L. Diarra - Govou, Malouda, Anelka.
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20070323_192558Dev.html
With three recovering midfielders, the French should not have any problems defending, but attacking it might be another story. The attack down the flanks might come more from Abidal and Sagnol rather than the midfielders. This line up is a very safe course of action, I think that Govou, Malouda and Anelka all have the pace to break down the Lithuania squad, but I fear the Baltic nation will pack in their penalty box and look to break. Breaking out will not be easy with the defensive curtains Les Blues can throw up, but scoring for the French might not be easy either.
I think Domenech envisages being able to get the important goal and then hold off any potential attacks, and if he needs more offense he can take off one of his midfielders and throw on Cisse, play Malouda and Govou wide and allow Cisse and Anelka to play at the point.
The positive is we will see the future of the midfield for France - Diarra making his first start and Toulalan making his second....
No comments:
Post a Comment