tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-112957762024-03-13T16:20:00.017-04:00The Bean Town FrogWelcome to the "Frog," my little piece of cyberspace to talk about my passion - le foot (or soccer for my North American friends) especially anything around French football. Of course I will have some guest contributors that might want to discuss other aspects of footy!
I support Les Bleus, Arsenal and PSG but really just love watching, analyzing and following the beautiful game.
"You have to trust your teammates, always. If not we are lost."GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.comBlogger1192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-55156637347462835712016-06-10T10:27:00.001-04:002016-06-10T10:27:31.465-04:00Get ready for a month of footy...second best tournament. Can Les Bleus do it for a third time?1984 and 1998, two years that will mark French football. At this point I am sure you are all aware that those are the two of the years France hosted a major footy tournament on home soil...and won. France also hosted the last pre-war World Cup in 1938, which they did not win. In the modern era, this will be the third major footy tournament hosted in my home land. What can we expect from the hosts?<br />
<br />
Let's first look at today's opening match versus Romania. Not the most difficult opening opponent, nor the easiest. The former iron curtain nation tends to pose a difficult enigma to most nations that face them. They tend to be well disciplined defensively and will ruthlessly punish you for any mistakes. I don't think they will make a run like they did in the 1994 World Cup where they were lead by their talisman - Hagi. Their Euro qualifying campaign was not a walk in the park and not in a group of death! They would end the qualifiers in second behind surprise North Ireland. But none of this matters as all the teams start with a 0-0-0 record.<br />
<br />
Les Bleus head into this opening game on a relative high, after defeating Scotland in their last friendly. The<a href="http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=443837"> 3-0 score line</a> could have easily been 5-0 (Pogba hitting a post on a wonderful free kick and Gignac demonstrating why he plays in Mexico and not in Europe after completely botching a 1v1). France has had a decent run as of late. They have been scoring goals...but also conceding to many at the same time. Without their best defender - Varane - I fear this might be their down fall. But let's focus on the positives first.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The midfield is the iron of this side</b>. Much like the glory days of old, when France had the Carre Magique of Tigana, Fernandes, Giresse and Platini (I still get emotional thinking of that midfield). Or the one anchored by a certain Zidane, that also had the likes of Deschamps, Vieira, Petit, Karembeu and Pires. This side has what appears to be a midfield that could elevate itself to these lofty highs. With Pogba and Matuidi, you have two of the best box to box midfielders in the world. Pogba can also either play deeper in a Pirlo role or play the true box to box role. The emergence of Kante for Leicester City could prove to be the key for France. While he is playing deeper than he does in the EPL, his engine and tireless work rate will be the key to providing cover for the back four. Deschamps has some options on the bench as well - Cabaye, Sissoko and Scheiderlin - he can rapidly add some muscle to his midfield.</li>
<li><b>An infusion of youth</b>...speaking of midfield talent, there is some youth in that area as well with the emergence of Coman at Bayern Munich (I am still pissed that PSG let him leave). Coman could slot in as a winger or a deeper lying offensive midfielder. Not a bad option to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJNHWY9MpcA/V1rNy90etUI/AAAAAAAAH5s/Fd1RGAkyVj0dhlOR2QnGTLGWJuKKSIAwgCLcB/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJNHWY9MpcA/V1rNy90etUI/AAAAAAAAH5s/Fd1RGAkyVj0dhlOR2QnGTLGWJuKKSIAwgCLcB/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expect the former PSG player to have a say during the Euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
play in a game. There is also Manchester United striker Martial who brings youth to the table. While neither player looks like they will start, both will play vital roles for Les Bleus.</li>
<li><b>In form players</b> - Griezmann, Payet, Pogba, Matuidi to name a few have had solid domestic seasons for their clubs. All will be called upon if France is to go far in this tournament. While I will not place too much emphasis on "in form" players, need I remind everyone that going into the 2002 World Cup France had the leading goal scorers from the English, Italian and French domestic leagues - Henry, Trezeguet and Cisse - and mustered ZERO goals in those games. ZERO. But I rather have players in form than struggling.</li>
</ul>
Of course there are some negatives...well one...and it is a big one.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>That back line is RUBBISH</b>. Losing Varane made an area of concern a major fear. First, how...how...is Evra still our first choice left back??? His best days are way way way behind him. He was washed up during the last World Cup! Argh. I know Deschamps has tried other options like Tremoulinas, Kurzawa, etc but how is the old man still running up and down the left side?? On the right...isn't much better. Sagna was a beast when he came over to Arsenal from Ligue 1. While he is still solid defensively his crosses are RUBBISH. Sorry that might be too strong. But I never mistake his crosses from a David Beckham special. What is more scary is the central pairings. Kos is solid but I fear he is always good for at least one brain fart every once in a while. Rami has had a good season in Spain. But lets face it, is the emergency back up to the emergency back up! At least with Varane I felt there was one out of the four that could keep his cool. Now I am not so sure. Lloris will have to on top of his game.</li>
</ul>
Okay so we headed into today's game with a lot of excitement and expectations. Looks like DD will go with his usual 4-3-3. Lloris: Evra, Rami, Kos, Sagna: Kante, Matuidi, Pogba: Griezmann, Giroud, Payet. I have been reading some calls for Martial to start, but what I think we are really seeing is Deschamps looking for flexibility. While Payet will start out on the right side, I think he will be looked upon to act as the defacto "10" probably slotting behind Griezmann and Giroud during the game. When he stays wide I look to Pogba to push higher on the pitch to support the attacking three. This will also place greater emphasis on Sagna making runs to give the French right width. Thru out the years, with Henry then Ribery and Valbuena and now Griezmann, the French attach has leaned heavily to the left (there is a political joke in there). So France continues to look for options to balance this attack, this is where a player like Coman can help. On defense I look for Kante and Matuidi to do much of the dirty work and try to alleviate any strain on the back 4. The question will be, who is the launching pad from the back for attacks? Kante isn't truly a distributor. Varane played that role before but who now? I look for Matuidi to be asked to drop deeper at times and fulfill this role.<br />
<br />
Stade de France will be absolute bonkers today. I look for France to feed off this energy. Les Bleus start the tournament with a 3-1 victory.<br />
<br />
Goals from Griezmann, Giroud and Martial. GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-42807881508474378762016-03-26T11:35:00.000-04:002016-03-26T11:35:21.230-04:00Les Bleus take down Oranje...but some concerns remainLes Bleus come back from Holland with a 3-2 victory over the Dutch. A game that started out well for France took a bad dip in the start of the second half, but the captain for the day, Matuidi, came through at the dying moments of the game to secure a win. Was there much to learn from this game? Sort of...<br />
<br />
<b>The Good</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>A win is a win</b>....After the past few seasons, getting a win versus a decent national side in their home stadium is still a positive. Les Bleus played a typical friendly game, some good moments, some moments of sleep walking no one expected the intensity of a World Cup or Euro game. France will go into their final match against Russia looking to build on this momentum. </li>
<li><b>Griezmann</b> - The Atletico Madrid striker continues to grow in stature for France. Partnering with Giroud and Payet (more on him later) appeared to be clicking from the get go. Giroud playing the role he does with Arsenal - a pivot point for the attack - played well with Griezmann running off that fulcrum. His free kick was a thing of beauty as well.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/66AooF56TZc" width="560"></iframe>
Coupled with Payet taking some sumptuous set pieces himself this part of the game offers much hope for fans of Les Bleus. The one possible issue is that Griezmann prefers coming in from the left, a spot that Martial is also more comfortable playing from. If Deschamps decides to lean on Giroud as his main central striker, he will have to leave Martial on his bench. Not a bad option coming in off the bench, but might also be underutilized that talent.</li>
<li><b>Payet</b> - I have never been a huge fan of the former Nantes prospect, but he has been slowly winning me over. His move to West Ham has done him a world of good. Getting out of OM and Ligue 1 has allowed him to take the next step in his career. He is playing with a high level of skill and confidence. Lining up on the right, but really roaming the pitch as a #10 worked well with this formation. His set pieces were dangerous and his shoot from distance are all extremely positive. Could he be the Valbuena at the Euros? Seems that way.</li>
<li><b>Pogba</b> - The Juventus #10 is an absolute beast. He is growing into a true "box to box" midfielder. He was making strong tackles, launching attacks, taking defenders on and bringing offensive options to the side. France will lean heavily on their Juventus midfielder. He needs to continue to mature but the future is bright for the former Manchester United player.</li>
</ul>
<b>The Bad</b>: <br />
<ul>
<li><b>Still many questions on defense</b> - The back 4 still has some shaky moments. I am not confident with our outside backs. Evra is old. Digne and Jallet can be shaky at times, allowing their man to get past them too quickly. Varane and Kos are sold in the middle of the park, but at times are asked to do too much to cover for the outside backs. Deschamps will have some work to do with regards to figuring out who he leans on from a fullback role. It feels that he will go with the veterans such as Evra and Sagna...ugh.</li>
</ul>
<b>The Ugly</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Can Les Bleus defend set pieces??</b> Two goals on set pieces. Granted the first goal should have been called back due to a hand ball. But Kos was hanging on to De Jong like he was a 5 year old on the deep end of the pool and De Jong was his life preserver. On the second goal...ouch...Afellay was WIDE open. Not good man marking on that corner kick...once again things that France struggle with. These will burn Les Bleus if not solved.</li>
</ul>
Decent game for Les Bleus. Let's see what happens next week versus Russia. As France have only another 90 minutes of football before the final roster of players is set for the Euros, it will be interesting to see who DD wants to see. Clearly the core list is probably in mind. I think the midfield will be the one place where there is some competition for spots. We shall see what falls out after next tuesday.<br />
<br />
Allez Les Bleus!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaIdO0QEmec/Vvar4HSyzQI/AAAAAAAAHy8/E5JFsshbuSUauopIIBELVPdWqiiY7eGjA/s1600/3500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaIdO0QEmec/Vvar4HSyzQI/AAAAAAAAHy8/E5JFsshbuSUauopIIBELVPdWqiiY7eGjA/s400/3500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honoring the great Cruyff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-90338709364261987102016-03-17T18:52:00.000-04:002016-03-17T18:52:02.383-04:00DD reveals last list before the Euros - should we read into anything?First, I have been terrible and haven't written in months. With the Euros rapidly approaching I hope to change this.<br />
<br />
So Deschamps released his <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/kante-et-payet-dans-l-avant-derniere-liste-de-deschamps-avant-l-euro-796852">list of players</a> for the upcoming friendly matches versus Holland and Russia. The list -<br />
<br />
Gardiens de but : Lloris, Mandanda, Costil.<br />
Défenseurs : Sagna, Jallet, Evra, Digne, Varane, Koscielny, Sakho, Mathieu.<br />
Milieux de terrain : Pogba, Matuidi, Diarra, Sissoko, Kanté, Cabaye.<br />
Attaquants : Griezman, Martial, Giroud, Coman, Gignac, Payet.<br />
<br />
Some interesting players in and out.<br />
<br />
First the players that are in this list. Starting with the engine from Leicester City - Kante. The midfielder is having a massive coming out party this season. With his side sitting atop the Premiership and he playing a massive role in their success, no surprise he has been thrust into the spotlight. While I have not heard it yet, but the comparison to me is to the likes of Makelele. A player with an enormous work rate that plays bigger than his physical stature. A deserved call up indeed. Now where he could fit in the formation, that is the question, more on that later. Gignac once again in the list. The former OM striker is playing very well for his Mexican side, but once he left for Liga MX it felt as if he had put his international future in the rear view mirror. But combined with Benzema's sex tape scandal and Gignac's goal scoring form he has forced his way back in the picture. But this is also an indication of the thinness for France when it comes to strikers. The days of having Henry, Trezeguet and Cisse to lean on are long gone (don't forget going into the World Cup 2002 those three were all the leading scorers of their domestic leagues: England, Italy and France). Also interesting to see Mathieu back in the fold. With the injury to Zouma, I thought that DD might have called up Laporte from Atheltic Bilbao, especially since there are rumors that the Spanish national team have interest in getting him to flip.<br />
<br />
Players that were left off, starting with Benzema. Okay no real surprise here. The Real Madrid striker remains embroiled in his sex tape black mail situation...idiot. And it is clear that DD is sticking by the FFF's punishment. Question is - will they change their minds come the summer? Speaking of sex tape, Valbuena was also left off the list. He hasn't been in great form, but he had become somewhat of a DD binky in recent years. No Kurzawa. Maybe not a surprise since he is not getting regular time with PSG, but it is more that Evra got called up. WHY??? I am not sure why the former Manchester United left back continues to get play at the international level.<br />
<br />
So now the question becomes, what will DD do with regards to formation and line up? With his <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5e35hLQb_8/Vus0rcGbsJI/AAAAAAAAHyY/RwThiVDV2NwXrkBW5W4b_L7i_8pJjHvPw/s1600/Aymeric%252BLaporte%252BGetafe%252BCF%252Bv%252BAthletic%252BClub%252B7m8AQHybmqcl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5e35hLQb_8/Vus0rcGbsJI/AAAAAAAAHyY/RwThiVDV2NwXrkBW5W4b_L7i_8pJjHvPw/s320/Aymeric%252BLaporte%252BGetafe%252BCF%252Bv%252BAthletic%252BClub%252B7m8AQHybmqcl.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will he get a call up?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
preferred, at least recently, 4-3-3 there remains the issue of who will play at the top of the attacking trident and who mans the right wing? With Griezman and Martial there are options of playing these two one on the left one in the center but allowing them to interchange during the match. Without Valbuena there isn't a right wing option, unless Payet slots there. Coman could as well. But not sure the Bayern man will be getting the start or seen as more of a wild card off the bench. The second trident should be straight forward with Pogba, Matuidi and Sissoko. The back line should be anchored by Kos and Varane. It would have been nice to see Laporte since I think he offers a nice option that might be better than Sakho who is trick or treat. Question is will DD go with the younger backs of Jallet and Digne or the veterans? I am not overly excited about either to be blunt....In goal we should see the usual - Lloris.<br />
<br />
Now it would be interesting to see if DD decided to go back to a 4-2-3-1. Putting a Gignac or Giroud as lone striker. But does France have a true #10 that could play in the center of the park? Not sure. But that formation would allow DD to possible play a combo of Kante/Cabaye/Diarra in front of the back four. Then lean on Pogba/Griezman/Matuidi in the offense end.<br />
<br />
I would think that most of the players on this list should be at the Euros this summer. What remains to be seen is what happens at the fullback slots, how does DD handle his strikers and what formation will he lean on?<br />
<br />
Allez les Bleus!!GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-77875873886638818132015-09-06T21:38:00.000-04:002015-09-06T21:38:10.156-04:00Les Bleus back to a 4-3-3 After a 1-0 victory over Portugal, sorry for the lack of commentary but I did not see the game. I will have to go back and watch. But looking forward. Deschamps will look to get back to his <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/actualites/les-bleus-sans-benzema-768630">4-3-3</a> versus Serbia in their friendly tomorrow in Bordeaux.<br />
<br />
The expected formation -<br />
<br />
Lloris (Cap.)- Sagna ou Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny ou Mangala,
Trémoulinas - Pogba, Schneiderlin, Matuidi ou Kondogbia - Valbuena,
Giroud, Griezmann<br />
<br />
Interesting to see the same central defensive pairing back out on the pitch (well unless Mangala gets in over Kos), but with some changes at the fullback. It will be good to see Tremoulinas back on the pitch he called home. Plus I think he deserves a serious look at that left back slot. In the midfield, Deschamps will again be able to call upon a solid block with the likes of Pogba, Schneiderlin, Matuidi or Kondogbia. The attacking trio will resemble a more regular formation with Griezmann wide left and Valbuena right, well Le Petit Velo out right on paper, but we all know he will most likely roam the offensive 1/3 of the pitch. Giroud back in the natural #9 role.<br />
<br />
What will be interesting to watch for is how the French wings are bolstered with true wide players on the field. In the 4-4-2, the way Deschamps lined it up on Friday, did not have real attacking wingers on the field. DD did have a very powerful engine room with the likes of Sissoko, Pogba, Matuidi and Cabaye. Can Deschamps find a way to keep his midfield strong but have players like Griezmann on the field to give the team attacking width? And what about the right side? I realize that Valbuena is listed as the right winger in this formation, but I highly doubt he will stick out there for very long. Look for him to roam back in the middle of the field and even out to the left. This continues to be an issue for this side. This will place greater emphasis on the likes of either Sagna or Debuchy to take the space on the right side and provide some quality crosses. Otherwise the field will lean too heavily on the left.<br />
<br />
I look for France to build on their success away to Portugal. France 2 - Serbia 0. Giroud and Valbuena.<br />
<br />
Allez Les Bleus!GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-42084448684096074652015-09-04T08:55:00.000-04:002015-09-04T08:55:22.343-04:00DD trying a two striker formation...but who is the play maker?An interesting formation appears to be in the cards for Les Bleus - a <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Equipe-de-france-une-doublette-fekir-benzema-face-au-portugal/587577">4-1-3-2</a>, a hybrid 4-4-2. The line up:<br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody">Lloris - Sagna, Koscielny, Varane, Evra - Cabaye - Sissoko, Pogba, Matuidi - Fekir, Benzema.</span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody">A couple of things to watch.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span itemprop="articleBody"><b>The back line</b>. With Varane and Kos back together does this mean that DD is going to lean on this pairing moving forward? Once again I am not convinced about the fullbacks. Evra, as I have stated for a few posts now, is on the back 9 of his career. Maybe even at the 19th hole. Not sure what we can expect from the former AS Monaco defender next summer. He might able to help game to game now, but during the Euros? As for Sagna, he has always been a solid defender but his crosses constantly frustrate. Just because there is a lot of volume to the crosses doesn't mean there is a high level of quality. Is DD still tinkering with the back line or are we seeing what he believes will carry Les Bleus next summer?</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="articleBody"><b>Who will be the play maker</b>? Deschamps is lining up a solid midfield core, lots of ball winners and box to box midfielders. But who carries the role of the #10? I realize that Pogba is wearing that shirt for Juventus but that doesn't make him the defacto play maker. Clearly this midfield should control the pace of the game or at least have a very strong influence. But where will the creative aspect of the game come from? And who will cover the wide play? Sissoko and Matuidi can fill those roles, but are they natural wingers?</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="articleBody"><b>Two up front...is that where the creativity comes from</b>? Interesting move of pairing Fekir <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8ALbGvTktc/VemUgHLa9YI/AAAAAAAAHcU/kZRMT6Vuw6U/s1600/nabil-fekir-29-03-2015-france---danemark-match-amical--saint-etienne--20150330104729-5828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8ALbGvTktc/VemUgHLa9YI/AAAAAAAAHcU/kZRMT6Vuw6U/s320/nabil-fekir-29-03-2015-france---danemark-match-amical--saint-etienne--20150330104729-5828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New playmaker?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and Benzema together. It has been a long time since we have seen Les Bleus with 2 paired attacking players. Deschamps has lined up 3 attacking players in a 4-3-3 but that is with more traditional and wide attacking players. This line up is more of a 4-4-2 with two strikers. However does the inclusion of Fekir as one of the attacking players really disguise him as the #10 play maker? Had Benzema been lined up with Giroud, that would have been a pairing of two true strikers. Fekir is more of a hybrid striker, winger and attacking midfielder. Could he play a deep lying role, behind Benzema? Provide the link between the midfield and the attacking 1/3 of the field?</span></li>
</ul>
<span itemprop="articleBody">This will be an important game for Les Bleus, after a disastrous end of last international season, France have to find results over the next two matches. Both will be challenges, as France face some serious challenges. Frog's prediction: France 1 - Portugal 1....a tepid draw that doesn't uplift our spirits but also slows down the slide.</span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody">Allez les Bleus!!! </span>GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-54136331438820880562015-08-27T08:43:00.005-04:002015-08-27T08:43:45.119-04:00Deschamps' list for start of international friendlies...not much to see hereLes Bleus will head into the first international break with many questions looming. After a pathetic end to the last international season - getting badly outplayed by the Red Devils from Belgium as well as being hijacked away to Albania - France are not looking like they are anything but a welcoming host to next year's Euro. France and Deschamps are still haunted by the same issue they have been facing, for what feels like years now, a lack of both star power and a winning formula. Unfortunately for Les Bleus, time is not our their side and clearly there is not a whole lot of options for Deschamps.<br />
<br />
So here is the <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Anthony-martial-convoque-en-equipe-de-france/585240">list</a> for next months games versus Portugal and Serbia - two massive challenges.<br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody"></span><br />
<h2 class="sous-titre le-test">
Les 23 Bleus retenus</h2>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Lloris,
Mandanda, Ruffier</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Varane, Debuchy, Evra, Koscielny, Mangala, Sagna,
Trémoulinas, Zouma</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Cabaye, Kondogbia, Matuidi, Pogba, Schneiderlin,
Sissoko</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Benzema, Fekir, Giroud, Griezmann, Martial, Valbuena.</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
The only new face is the Monaco striker - Martial. Feels like another candidate Deschamps wants to take a look at to bring some attacking talent to the French front line. His profile feels much like Lacazette - pacey forward who plays down the middle but can also slot out to the wings. Of course there is a glut of players who play the wide role: Griezmann, Valbuena, Fekir and even the likes of Sissoko can slot there. Reality is Les Bleus are still looking for a central striker that can truly carry the goal scoring load. Neither Benzema or Giroud have truly taken ownership of that role. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQJMo3_ggeE/Vd8F2rbzM8I/AAAAAAAAHb0/LXljpO_HlLc/s1600/art.evra.afp.gi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQJMo3_ggeE/Vd8F2rbzM8I/AAAAAAAAHb0/LXljpO_HlLc/s1600/art.evra.afp.gi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old man still sticking around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Otherwise the roster does not really surprise me, other than seeing Evra once again in the roster. It felt as if he was at the end of the road during the last World Cup...and not sure how he is going to be better two years later at the Euros. With other left backs such as Kurzawa waiting in the wings, why constantly go to an aging back who has lost his bite?</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
What to watch for - Which central defensive pairing does DD lean on? Varane - Kos? Will Zouma get some time, could he be paired with Varane? That could be a pairing for the long term. Does Griezmann lock down the left wing for himself? Other than Pogba and Matuidi in the midfield, who else gets their chance? Does Cabaye keep his role as the sentinel in front of the back 4?</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
</div>
<div class="paragr paragraf3">
Lots of questions and little time to answer them. Deschamps has a lot of work ahead of him and not much time. Not sure if he will lean on the 4-3-3 or maybe go back to a 4-2-3-1 to load up his midfield to stabilize the game. Keep an eye on the training sessions to see what falls out. </div>
GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-26416514692171171492015-07-26T16:28:00.002-04:002015-07-26T16:28:59.153-04:00Ouch...Les Bleus streak of qualification in serious jeopardyAfter having to play in a qualifying group that included Spain, France had to also have a miraculous reversal after dropping a 0-2 playoff game away to Ukraine, to get into the World Cup in Brazil. Looks like the next round of qualifiers for the World Cup in 2018 in Russia will be even tougher for Les Bleus. Since France feel to the second pot they knew they risked drawing a big fish as head of group...which they were served by getting the Oranje of Holland. To make things even more tasty, the French will also have to face off against Zlatan's Sweden...toss in Bulgaria and you have some serious hurdles that France will have to overcome to get to Russia.<br />
<br />
The group A teams:<br />
<br />
Netherlands, France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus, Luxembourg<br />
<br />
France's schedule:<br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody"></span><br />
<div class="paragr paragraf2">
<div>
<strong>6 septembre 2016:</strong> Biélorussie-France</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>7 octobre 2016:</strong> France-Bulgarie</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>10 octobre 2016: </strong>Pays-Bas-France</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>13 novembre 2016:</strong> France-Suède</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>25 mars 2017:</strong> Luxembourg-France</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>9 juin 2017: </strong>Suède-France</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>31 août 2017:</strong> France-Pays-Bas</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>3 septembre 2017:</strong> France-Luxembourg</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>7 octobre 2017: </strong>Bulgarie-France</div>
<div>
<br /> <strong>10 octobre 2017:</strong> France-Biélorussie</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The only positive aspect is that France get to face one of the weakest nations in the group first, get tested against Bulgaria before having to take on Holland. But there is very little else that is positive with this draw! It will be a tight race for head of the group, and second place will be a real dog fight. Luxembourg and Belarus will probably have no hope about sniffing qualification, but Belarus will act as spoiler. Bulgaria and France will most likely fight it out with whoever drops from the Holland - Sweden tandem for second place. Not a great group for France....Much will be expected from what happens next summer during the Euros. Can Les Bleus find their form? How will they fare being at home? And will any success...assuming they find some....carry over into the qualifiers? Lots of questions and lots of gaps that Deschamps must resolve not only for next summer but for beyond.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This is what you get when you under-perform for years...ugh. </div>
</div>
<br />GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-64205397609162404862015-07-24T12:34:00.000-04:002015-07-24T12:34:09.357-04:00Les Bleus get what they deserve...tough road ahead for qualifiersNo one should be surprised to see France being in the <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/coupe-du-monde/actualites/non-tete-de-serie-la-france-peut-s-attendre-au-pire-761668">second pool</a> for Russia 2018 World Cup qualifications. Anyone watching the last few months of this national side might even wonder why they were not dropped to the 3rd or 4th pool With home losses to Brazil and Belgium, the second one being an absolute fiasco and then ending the international season with a dreadful lose away to Albania, there is no surprise their ranking has dropped to 22nd in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/">FIFA rankings</a>.<br />
<br />
The pots: <br />
<br />
<strong>Pot one: </strong>Germany, Belgium, Holland, Romania, England, Wales, Portugal, Spain, Croatia.<br /> <strong>Pot two:</strong> Italy, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Iceland, Denmark, Bosnia-Herzegovina.<br /> <strong>Pot three:</strong> Poland, Ukraine, Scotland, Hungary, Sweden, Albania, Northern Ireland, Serbia, Greece.<br /> <strong>Pot four:</strong> Turkey, Slovenia, Israel, Republic of Ireland, Norway, Bulgaria, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Estonia.<br /> <strong>Pot five:</strong> Cyprus, Latvia, Armenia, Finland, Belarus, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova.<br /> <strong>Pot six:</strong> Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Georgia, Malta, San Marino, Andorra.<br />
<br />
So Les Bleus could have Germany, Belgium, Holland, Portugal or Spain at the top of their group! They did qualify for the last World Cup with Spain also in their group. So it is by no means a death sentence.<br />
<br />
The scariest draw for Les Bleus: Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Macedonia and Georgia.<br />
The best draw for France: Wales, Northern Ireland, Faroe Islands, Cyprus and Andorra.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the draw this qualification campaign will be a real test for this side. They are not looking very good a year away from hosting the Euros, but at least they will have home field and that by itself should at least get them out of the group and may past one knock out round. But this side is clearly still trying to define itself, who does it build around, where will the goals come from and who is the leader on the pitch? 2018 is a long ways away, but the reality is the preparation and groundwork starts now.<br />
<br />GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-3138043735802194722015-06-08T00:37:00.000-04:002015-06-08T00:37:04.219-04:00Can a 4-3 loss feel like a pseudo win? Les Diables Rouge almost give it awayWell how is it possible that you give up<a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Les-bleus-se-sont-reveilles-trop-tard/564927"> 4 goals</a>, almost give up a fifth when Lukaku smashed a close shot off the post in the 62nd minute, and not feel completely dejected?? That is what happens when you also score 3 goals, of which two came in the last few minutes of the game...and where Courtois had to make a solid reflex save off a deflected France shot in injury time. Anyways....I have been remiss from posting but here goes the analysis.<br />
<br />
<b>The Good</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Les Diables Rouge</b> - There was very little good from Les Bleus...but their northern neighbors were very good. Okay. Good until they forgot how to defend and made the last few minutes more tense that had to be. The Belgians have a talented and scary starting 11. It all starts with Chelsea star - Hazard. Unlike with his club team (thanks Jose) he has more freedom to roam for his national side. This freedom allows him to showcase his world class touch, shiftiness, creativity and pace. He is world class. But there is more talent than just Eden. With the likes of Bentenke and Lukaku up front, Fellaini, Vertongen and a world class keeper in Courtois there is some serious talent available for the Red Devils. With the pitbull - Nainggolan - patrolling the midfield there is some additional snarl on the field. The Belgians did not have their captain and sweeper - Kompany either. The youth system continues to produce some talent, the Anderlecht youngster - Dendoncker - coming on late to earn his first cap. Currently sitting in the second spot of the <a href="http://m.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/index.html">FIFA rankings</a>, this side has every right to believe they should head to the Euros next summer as one of the favorites. The question will be - do they have the depth to win the tournament and can they play as favorites. But clearly they are a team to watch. </li>
<li>Well that is about it for the good....okay okay...I will say the French substitutes of <b>Payet, Fekir and Ntep</b> were good. Well maybe not 100% good but I need to find something good for Les Bleus. The three Ligue 1 youngsters brought some pace and offensive creativity to a French <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuEEpdeDM-A/VXUa-E3dmMI/AAAAAAAAEwY/XYD_zrhEFSw/s1600/Fekir_full_diapos_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuEEpdeDM-A/VXUa-E3dmMI/AAAAAAAAEwY/XYD_zrhEFSw/s320/Fekir_full_diapos_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only bright lights of the night?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
side that appeared flat most of the game. I was especially impressed by the pace of Ntep. I am not sure if he will have a legitimate challenge to taking that starting slot, but he seems to offer a nice option as a game changing substitute, someone that can create a lot of problems for a tired defense late in a game. Fekir's work rate and creativity were also noticeable. He was rewarded for his efforts by potting his first international goal. Same goes for Payet. While I have never been the biggest fan of the OM player, he did show well today.</li>
</ul>
<b>The Bad</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ugh, not sure why, but France still struggles with a <b>solid central defensive pairing</b>. Individually and for their club, I like both Varane and Koscienly. But for some reason whey they put on the France shirt they seem to lose some brain cells. Kos gave up a penalty kick that felt like it was due to being lazy and out of position. While Varane seemed to be overwhelmed at times by the Belgian attack. They both have the talent...just not sure whey it does not get translated when they play for France.</li>
<li>Speaking of defense...once again the <b>French outside backs were lacking in their crosses</b>. My frustration with Sagna's crosses is well documented, but I was a bit shocked that Tremoulinas was just as bad. I did like the former Bordeaux fullback's pace and willingness to jump into the offensive end. But both outside backs kept pumping in crosses...that went nowhere. Ugh. I guess that is why the likes of Evra remain in the conversation.</li>
</ul>
<b>The Ugly</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Sloppy play</b>...I should have known from the start that the game was going to be ugly when France took the opening kick off and passed it to no one...no one really looked that engaged. There was very little in terms of linking up play or of any real sustained attack. Valbuena made some good runs and had some decent passes...but no one followed. Giroud looked lost alone and frankly at times uninterested. Cabaye showed some efforts but it appears that his lack of time for PSG is showing. Just ugly. All around. </li>
</ul>
Well let's put this game behind us. France were dominated by a team that was not necessarily more talented but have two aspects France seem to be missing: 1)A world class player, Hazard for Belgium who for France? 2)A team that plays as a team. Deschamps still has a year to try and develop the latter, not sure the former is available. Lots of work ahead. GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-84752856237465133422015-05-05T21:16:00.001-04:002015-05-05T21:24:07.425-04:00Oh Manchester United...The following is a post from a guest blogger - Matthew "Ice" Rybak. Look for him to contribute to the Bean Town Frog. Unfortunately he is a Manchester United fan, but is semi intelligent so we will accept his contributions. Welcome aboard Matty Ice!<br />
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<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congrats to Chelsea for being the Floyd
Mayweather of Soccer and Manchester Utd. Stumble once again. Transfer Rumors. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congrats to Chelsea for being the most boring
Champion ever. (Sorry Chelsea fans but you only deserve one sentence for the
display of football you made me sit through this season.) If I am setting a
precedent based off of my last statement, then Manchester United doesn’t even
deserve a mention after their past two weeks performances. However Louis Van
Gaal doesn’t deserve to get off that easy. The definition of insanity is doing
the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. LVG is insane,
after two weeks of nothing being delivered from the midfield of Fellaini,
Young, Mata and Herrera he went back to them again. And again the same result,
dominant in possession but lacked that special imagination to break through the
wall of defense that West Brom constructed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The start of the second half
brought about the typical LVG substitutions of Di Maria and <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syU-pGBqUxA/VUlrOvX5AmI/AAAAAAAAEuw/EbO_DSI-Y_Y/s1600/Tottenham-Hotspur-FC-Courting-Louis-van-Gaal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syU-pGBqUxA/VUlrOvX5AmI/AAAAAAAAEuw/EbO_DSI-Y_Y/s1600/Tottenham-Hotspur-FC-Courting-Louis-van-Gaal.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mad Dutchman??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Falcao (which lead
to disjointed play and more frustration from the home crowd). However Louis
tried to shake things up by dropping Robin Van Persie into a central midfield
position. This decision infuriated the striker whose body language went from
poor to shit and left Rooney running around aimlessly with no true position.
This decision just makes you scratch your head especially since RVP has been on
the bench for the past month with an injury. Then LVG choose him for the PK,
nothing about RVP’s play warranted that decision. Everyone in the building knew
Robin wanted nothing to do with that free kick. He steps up with the chance to
tie the game and make up for all his blown chances earlier in the game but
except he floats a duck to the right side of the goal for a relatively easy stop
from the goalkeeper. It is time for Louis Van Gaal to pivot his soccer
philosophy before Manchester Utd finds themselves on the outside of the top 4. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #373e4d; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LVG seems to have the infatuation level with his system that a 13 year old girl
does with Justin Beiber. No matter how many DUI’s or arrests that clown has,
that 13 year old will always love him. It seems about two months ago LVG struck
gold with the combination of Mata Herrera and Young but now the three of them
produce nothing more than aluminum. Manchester United experienced a similar
issue earlier in the season when they were playing with two wing backs and
after multiple dismal performances he reluctantly decided to switch to a four
man back. Hopefully LVG can see the light again and make another brilliant
tactical change to secure that coveted Champions League birth. Transfer Rumors:
Everyone to United, De Gea to Madrid.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-3725922027529567942015-03-30T23:33:00.001-04:002015-03-30T23:33:15.814-04:00You win some, you lose some - Les Bleus at the international breakI must admit I was not able to watch both the France v Brazil and France v Denmark matches in their entirety. This work thing can get in the way. So I would not do a full good-bad-ugly review of both matches. My apologies. But here are some take-aways from what I saw from both matches. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Les Bleus have some interesting players to watch for the next year</b>. <b>Fekir</b> is the first that comes to mind. Coming on as a substitute for both matches he showed some glimpses of why he is such an exciting player. His pace and creativity were both on display during his game time. He seems as comfortable on the right as on the left side, something that is important for DD. It will be interesting to see how he continues to play for Lyon this season and what happens during the summer transfer window. My home would be he stays with OL, since at times a move to a bigger club and league can cause a drop off in a players game. Not the ideal situation just before a major tournament. Speaking of OL, Fekir's teammate - <b>Lacazette</b> celebrated his first international goal versus Denmark. He could have very well latched on to a second in that game when he split the Danish defense, unfortunately he missed his touch. But he did show an ability to work well playing wide with Giroud as the lone striker. Again another option to watch for DD as he develops his roster. As much as this pains me, I think <b>Payet</b> showed me something as well. It is still hard for me to admit he is a full blown international, but he brought some decent game management skills to the table against Denmark, controlling the pace of play and proving dangerous with his crosses etc. </li>
<li><b>Les Bleus also have some major question marks</b>. Issues remain, issues that been haunting Les Bleus for the past few seasons. <b>Goal scoring</b> remains elusive. Benzema being the primary culprit for this. What sticks out was his missed volley against Brazil....from close. Granted this past weekend in my old man soccer league I blasted a similar ball into the proverbial row ZZ, but I am not an international level player! I still feel as if Benzema has failed to live up to what is suppose to be bags of talent. France really has yet to replace the likes of Henry and Trezeguet. The <b>right side</b>...yes it is a broken record. But this continues to haunt Les Bleus. It will be interesting to see if and how the likes of Fekir might become a solution to this problem. Speaking of the right side, part of the issue is also the right backs and by some extent the left backs are also in question. I am not sure why the likes of Sagna and Evra are still getting time. Evra to me is not the long term, and by long term I mean the Euros, solution for left back. With the likes of Tremoulinas and Kurzawa as more likely long term options why is DD insistent on continuing to select Mr Evra? On the right side, hopefully a healthy return of Debuchy will stabilize the position.</li>
<li><b>Who will be the superstar player?</b> I am not asking for the next Zidane or Platini...but France need to find their next star player. Ribery and Henry filled those roles post Zidane. But who is the next player? It does not have to be a superstar offensive player. Pogba appears to be the most likely candidate to fill the role. His box-to-box midfielder can put his stamp on any game he plays in. His form for Juventus has made him one of the most desirable assets in the game. Question remains can he translate this for the national team? If it is not Pogba, not sure where this comes from. </li>
</ul>
France leave these two games with some positives to build on and some questions that continue to linger. Deschamps does have over a year to figure it out, but that year will go by quickly. Much work to be done, but there are enough positives to have some high expectations for next year's tournament on home soil. GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-59471382770709434512015-03-26T13:50:00.000-04:002015-03-26T13:50:06.728-04:00Karim captain!With the injury to Lloris, the question became who would wear the captain's arm band. Interesting that a player who has worn the arm band and for more than one match is in the starting line up - Evra. Of course he was the captain during the disaster that was the South African World Cup. DD decided to choose the Real Madrid striker - <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-sera-capitaine-contre-le-bresil/546080">Benzema</a> to wear the arm band for this match. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't ask for any gov't identification...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I understand why you could not give it back to Evra. But I am not sure I would have picked Benzema <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2548699/Ribery-Benzema-acquitted-charges-soliciting-underage-prostitute.html">evidence</a> to prove this...and they were acquitted. Hey I am not naive enough to think these boys are all choir boys, nor do I expect them to be. But couple this with some of Karim's sometimes on field issues - aka lack of production. Remember his year long goalless drought??? And I don't see the ideal model for a captain. Granted it is only for this match, or maybe the next one as well. But would have rather seen Matuidi carrying the arm band - maybe even Varane who profiles as the long term French captain.<br />
either. Not when you have other choices, Matuidi being the one that comes to mind. Benzema does have some baggage from his off the field activities...remember the under aged lady of the night? It was never in question that Benzema and Ribery had purchased Ms Dehar's services, but whether or not they were aware of her age. The courts did not find enough <br />
<br />GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-50235025589399528312015-03-25T18:29:00.001-04:002015-03-25T18:29:18.004-04:00No surpise - DD leaning back on his 4-3-3Heading into the friendly tomorrow against Brazil, word out of Clairefontaine is that Deschamps will roll out the formation we have grown accustomed to seeing France play - the 4-3-3. Makes sense with the French strength being in that middle three. Even with their engine room midfielder, Pogba, being out for the match, Les Bleus have plenty of talent and depth at that position.<br />
<br />
The possible <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/fil-info/vers-un-4-3-3-classique-743155">line up</a> -<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mandanda - Sagna, Varane, Sakho, Evra - Sissoko, Schneiderlin, Matuidi - Valbuena, Griezmann, Benzema</i><br />
<br />
No surprise in goal, with Lloris having to drop out of the squad after picking up a knock playing for Tottenham. The outside backs are back to the future, not sure I expect to see these two being the pillars for the Euro campaign. But we shall see. As for the center back pairing, looks like Sakho's club form has put him back in the good graces of the manager. I will be surprised if Kos doesn't get some time this game or next. Varane seems to be the constant in that central defensive pairing, who partners with him remains in flux.<br />
<i> </i><br />
The midfield trident shows the depth DD has at his disposal. Without Pogba, he can still turn to the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Aa4_5Qz1mA/VRM2hcrw0NI/AAAAAAAAEsc/fsgBdp3LQDc/s1600/jeremymenez_n18pjudp8iskzypan6gncd6n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Aa4_5Qz1mA/VRM2hcrw0NI/AAAAAAAAEsc/fsgBdp3LQDc/s1600/jeremymenez_n18pjudp8iskzypan6gncd6n.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that DD calling me??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
likes of Schneiderlin and Sissoko. Matuidi is a regular. Question becomes - will Cabaye ever regain his position? His main issue is that for his club - PSG - he is stuck behind a number of talented midfielders. Maybe he should have stayed in northern England! Up front, no surprise either. With Griezmann seeming to cement his role out on the left side of the formation, Benzema as the lone striker and Valbuena. The main issue, once again, will be to see how France's right plays. Yes Valbuena should be "slotted" to play in that right corridor. But we all know he has license to drift and often does. Raises a question - does Menez have a role on the national team? Anyone noticed his form in Italy? He has been on a tear for Milan AC. Could be something to keep in mind.<br />
<br />
Brazil is always a tough opponent, don't let their last two World Cup games lull you into complacency. I expect a balanced and cautious game from both sides. I am a little nervous about France's outside backs, I am not sure they can keep the Brazilian wingers and fullbacks in check. There will be a lot expected of the midfield trident to slow down Neymar et al.<br />
<br />
I look for a 2-2 draw. Benzema with a brace.<br />
<br />
Allez les BleusGFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-48143227406222924552015-03-24T10:32:00.001-04:002015-03-24T10:32:28.673-04:00Les Bleus get set with some new facesThe international season will be kicking off this month. Of course Les Bleus will not be playing any qualifiers, but the European Cup is about 15 months away. That time will go by fast and DD will be expected to have his squad ready for the tournament they are hosting - will anything short of a semi final appearance be acceptable??<br />
<br />
The list DD called up looks very familiar with some new faces and some questionable choices:<br />
<br />
<i>Lloris, Mandanda, Ruffier – Evra, Jallet, Koscielny, Sagna, Sakho,
Trémoulinas, Varane, Zouma – Gonalons, Kondogbia, Matuidi, Payet,
Schneiderlin, Sissoko – Benzema, Fekir, Giroud, Griezmann, Lacazette,
Valbuena</i><br />
<br />
The fresh new face is that of<b> Fekir</b> from Lyon. The attacking midfielder is having a break out season with his club, with double digit goals (11) and 7 assists. He was long time a target for the Algerian national team but made the decision to throw his future behind Les Bleus. He did play at the U21 level with France. The player offers DD some new blood for his attacking midfield. With the retirement of Ribery and the exile of Nasri coupled with France's consistently lacking right side, it will be interesting how the new player get integrated and leveraged.<br />
<br />
Many of the other names are the usual suspects that DD has been leaning on. The one player that continues to make me scratch my head - <b>Evra</b>. The Juventus left back continues to be called up. But is he truly the future for the left back role? It is good to see Tremoulinas being in the squad. But what about Kurzawa? I am not sure that Evra is our solution at left back for the Euros. I realize he hasn't retired from international play, but that does not mean DD needs to continue to call him up.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see how DD handles his back line. With Sakho starting to do better at the club level, will the central pairing be changed again? It is also good to see Kondogbia back on the roster. Clearly his play for AS Monaco has not gone unnoticed. Let us see how DD runs his formation. <br />
GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-12671335209348849082015-02-18T23:23:00.000-05:002015-02-18T23:23:26.648-05:00Ugh - Get ready for a winter World Cup. What a farce.First my apologies for being lax in 2015 to publishing some posts. I need to get back to ranting about the beautiful game! Here is a great reason to spew some anger - looks as if the Qatar 2022 World Cup will be held in the winter - click <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/story/2306213/fifa-are-set-to-confirm-that-the-2022-qatar-world-cup-will-take-place-in-november-and-december">here</a> for article. What???<br />
<br />
Granted the reasons for this are obvious. It is too *&$%@# hot in the summer in Qatar! But guess what, we knew that before the nation was selected to host the tournament. I do not need to rehash my feelings towards this selection. From the fact the nation has zero soccer heritage, to the heat, to the ability to handle such a massive sporting event. This has been nothing short of a prime example why clowns like Sepp Blatter is seen as corrupt and a weasel. Qatar 2022 is all about money. The money FIFA hopes to get from the oil rich nation as well as the fat envelopes that most certainly found their way into Sepp and his cronies' pockets. I can only imagine what the clubs are going to say about this brilliant decision. Holding the World Cup during November and December is going to fall right in the middle of club seasons, Champions League group stage games and countless national cup ties. The major European leagues, other than England, take a break end of the year. So what does the international duty mean for this? Will FIFA expect club seasons to continue minus the international players, as they do during the African Cup of Nations? Ask Manchester City how they felt about now having Yaya during that time....Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, PSG, Chelsea, Bayern Munich would be fielding their youth teams! Granted that might make the mid-tier clubs happy. But seriously, this is beyond asinine.<br />
<br />
If and when this becomes a reality, expect the majority of clubs to not just complain but challenge having to allow their players to go to the World Cup. The mess that is Qatar 2022 is only getting worse. The sad part is the likes of Platini did not help by voting this in. Alas, Platoche is falling under the bad influence of global football's idiotic management.GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-69219476172064088382014-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-31T08:00:06.910-05:00Happy New Year! My wishes for 20152014 was a good year in terms of footy, how can it not be when there is a World Cup. PSG won another Ligue 1 title, Arsenal once again failed to impress...oh right they won the FA Cup so all is right, never mind...Real Madrid beat their cross town rivalry in the Champions League final and Germany won their 4th World Cup. But as we turn the page on 2014 and look forward to 2015, here are my wishes for the new year.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<ul>
<li><b>Arsenal finds themselves a new manger</b>...I have been sour on my fellow countryman for a few years now. His miserly spending, poor selection of transfer targets and his stubbornness when it comes to keeping his own players have led to a poor showing for years. Yes I know he won the FA Cup last year, but that was fools' gold. So the Gunners win their 4th place trophy on a regular basis, get to the Champions League and then flame out in the 1/4 finals. Yeah. When is the last time that Arsenal has really contended for the Premiership??? Liverpool has gotten closer than the Gunners in recent history. It is time for some new blood. With Jurgen Klopp on thin ice at Dortmund could this be the perfect storm? Where could Wenger go? PSG might still be an option as Blanc does not seem 100% secure in Paris. Here is a crazy thought, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrHKHXY96xs/VKIfZHyUhSI/AAAAAAAAEns/vOXMU-T7Fno/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrHKHXY96xs/VKIfZHyUhSI/AAAAAAAAEns/vOXMU-T7Fno/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right time to come to London?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
what about a side like Hertha Berlin? A team in a large cosmopolitan city in the heart of Europe. Wenger could work on acquiring and developing a bevy of German international talent, while working in a league where business principles are in line with Wenger's supposed methods. Bottom line...Wenger needs to move on.</li>
<li><b>Les Bleus finally find themselves a right sided winger</b>...something else I have know to harp on...France's inability to have a right sided player to give the team a greater balance. Not sure what the options are. Valbuena is more of a center of the park player. Remy could be an option but never seems to stick with France and is currently only a bench player for Chelsea. Sissoko, maybe, but I see him as more of a midfield relaying player. Not sure a player such as Lacazette is an option outside on the wing either, he has played there but seems more comfortable as the center forward. Thauvin from Marseille might also be an option, but seems to have maturity issues. Finally Payet might be the option, but I do not see him as a full international let alone the full time option on the right side. Deschamps will have his work cut out for him to determine how to properly balance his squad. Hopefully the solution works its way out in 2015.</li>
<li><b>May PSG find success in Europe</b>...well that might be difficult with Chelsea on the schedule for the knock out round of the Champions League, but the Paris club needs to make some adjustments to their roster to position themselves more favorably for the Champions League. The likes of Cabaye and Cavani need to be better utilized or potentially sold off. A legitimate second striker to take some of the pressure off of Zlatan. Granted the aforementioned Cavani is suppose to be that option, but I think that experiment has not succeeded. Also, the center backs need to be better - Luiz is a clown, still not sure why PSG spent some much on Sideshow Bob. PSG will need to clean up some of these issues to build towards success in Europe. Could a new manager also be in the cards this summer? Maybe, especially if PSG does not win the Ligue 1 once again or good deep in Europe.</li>
</ul>
These are some simple wishes for 2015, what are your footy wishes??<br />
<br />
Happy New Year! GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-84737799470001133022014-12-16T22:51:00.001-05:002014-12-16T22:51:49.591-05:00Merci Titi - France and Arsenal legend Henry announces his retirementYes I realize that Titi played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bull, but I think it is safe to say the legendary forward is best known for his time at Arsenal and playing for Les Bleus. It came as no surprise as Henry announced his <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Infos/Un-avant-et-un-apres-henry/522434">retirement</a> from football today. So what to make of the French national team all time leading scorer? There have been a number of articles written about how Titi will never be appreciated in his homeland of France, read one of the latest ones <a href="https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/why-france-will-never-truly-love-thierry-henry-110723376.html">here</a>. And there is some element of truth in that statement.<br />
<br />
His first issue was he played for France at the same time as a certain Zidane. Hard to command the limelight when one of the greatest players of all time is on the field with you. But I think there is something deeper to this. Unlike his days at Arsenal, Henry rarely took over games for Les Bleus. Yes he is the all time leading goal scorer for Les Bleus with 51 goals in 123 appearances. However strange as this may sound - the only goal I truly remember was the one in the 2006 World Cup 1/4 finals against Brazil from a Zidane free kick. But otherwise it feels like the other 50 goals were...empty. Sounds ridiculous, I realize. But I clearly remember Zidane's brace in the 1998 World <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7OH_x_8tSA/VJD8SESSC3I/AAAAAAAAEm0/XK24BOH2Dlw/s1600/henry-handball-cheats-ireland-out-of-world-cup-place-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7OH_x_8tSA/VJD8SESSC3I/AAAAAAAAEm0/XK24BOH2Dlw/s1600/henry-handball-cheats-ireland-out-of-world-cup-place-1.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what one wants as their defining moment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cup final, Trezeguet's winner in the 2000 European Cup finals, Wiltord's equalizer in the same game, Blanc's goal against Paraguay in the 1998 World Cup, Platini's winner against Portugal in 1982...I can go on for a while before I get to Henry's memorable strike. I might argue that Ribery's goal against Spain in 2006 was the bigger goal of that tournament for France.<br />
<br />
I remember speaking with my father before the 2006 World Cup finals and we both agreed that Henry had to step up - take over the game. Unfortunately he didn't and almost had to come out within the first 5 minutes after a collision early on with an Italian defender. It could be argued that had Henry stayed in the game, he would have taken a penalty kick before Trezeguet. But I digress. The one defining moment for Henry might be the "hand of frog." When he deliberately handled the ball to allow him to cross to Gallas who scored the equalizing goal and allowed France to defeat Ireland in the 2010 World Cup playoff.<br />
<br />
Henry deserves to be in the discussion of greatest players in French national team history. To me Platini, Zidane and Kopa are at the top of that podium. But Henry and his 51 goals has to be the in conversation as one of the all time greats. Top 10 yes....top 5 maybe. Unfortunately, unlike those mentioned, he did not have a defining moment in his career...at least not a positive one since I do not think the "hand of frog" is the type of defining moment you want.<br />
<br />
While Henry might not get the accolades he deserves back in France, he remains one of the all time greatest. Watching him at the heights of his power for Arsenal was something amazing to watch. And I know the 51 goals was not empty for Les Bleus.<br />
<br />
Merci Titi.GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-53519834719582109182014-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:002014-12-07T14:29:01.646-05:00Farewell Landycake...we never really got to know your potential.Later today will be the finals of the MLS cup between the LA Galaxy and the New England Revolution. For once, I will actually...well maybe...watch an entire MLS game from start to finish. I will admit I have tried to watch Revolution playoff games, but I still cannot seem to bring myself to watching the entire product from start to finish. Call me a football snob, I can take it. But this game will be interesting for more than simply because my soon to be home town team is in the game (the Revolution are rumored to be moving to a soccer only stadium in Boston...currently they play closer to Rhode Island) but because this will be Landy Cakes last professional footy game.<br />
<br />
There is much, well as much as there can be for MLS, ballyhoo about the possibility that the US star wins his 6th MLS title. That will elevate him to the stature of this former teammate David Beckham who has also won 6 domestic titles...oh wait those are EPL titles, never mind. But at least that would be more than Ronaldo's domestic haul of 4...what's that? Those 4 are - 3 EPL and and 1 La Liga title...never mind. Well it puts him ahead of Pat Vieira's measly 3 EPL titles....okay okay I realize I am being cheeky in my comparisons. But there is an underlying frustration in these comparisons. Donovan for all the hype he covered himself in over in the United States, never lived up to his supposed potential.<br />
<br />
His stints over in Europe are well documented, starting with Bayern Leverkusen where he came back because he complained of the cold and his inability to get in surfing done. Really? He also had a loan stint at Bayern Munich, where a more mature Donovan could have carved out a resurgence in his European career. But once again he failed...and sowed the seeds for his downfall with now US National team coach - Klinsmann. He finally <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/team/united-states/660/blog/post/2042151/us-soccer-chris-wondolowski-moving-on-world-cup-miss-vs-belgium">Wondolowski</a> missed a sitter in injury time that would have seen the US through to the next round. You mean to tell me that Landycakes could not have at least put that shot on frame??? But Klinsmann had made it clear, he wanted players that were hungry and to the German I am sure that not wanting to push yourself and try to make it in Europe was a massive strike against Landycakes.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKtk4tSL8JY/VISqXYVD4eI/AAAAAAAAEkc/ba17m_wpexw/s1600/Landon-Donovan-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKtk4tSL8JY/VISqXYVD4eI/AAAAAAAAEkc/ba17m_wpexw/s1600/Landon-Donovan-001.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this cool kit and a 3 week vacation!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
demonstrated some success in back to back loan spells with Everton in the EPL. Yet Donovan never looked to make those loan moves permanent. Fail. Everton seemed to be a good fit for Landycakes. A solid English club, but not a Manchester United or Liverpool where the history would clearly crush the mentally fragile Landycakes. In addition, Everton's best player was their American keeper - Tim Howard. Yet once again Landon Donovan opted to come back the MLS, play in front of 10,000 fans and be relegated to the back pages of the back pages in the newspapers. A major consequence of his decision became clear this past summer, when he watched rather than played in the World Cup. I am sure that he, like many of the US fans, were pulling their hair out when <br />
<br />
In a recent article about Donovan they mention some of his issues with being more mentally tough - click <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/team/united-states/660/blog/post/2181055/us-forward-landon-donovans-career-comes-to-a-bitter-end">here</a>. After reading the piece I have some empathy for Donovan. I think there is nothing simple about dealing with the psychology of daily life let alone being a professional athlete. But I also wonder how can an athlete get to where Landycakes did, compete on the biggest stage in sports - the World Cup - and not be somewhat more mentally tough than he <span id="goog_1610836937"></span><span id="goog_1610836938"></span>seems to indicate he isn't.<br />
<br />
I hear an interview between him and former MLS and US National team player, Taylor Twellman the other day, and what struck me was how Donovan was talking about the MLS cup finals. As if he was speaking of playing for his 6th Champions League title. And it struck me then, many Landycakes is smarter than all of us. Maybe he knew his limitations. Maybe he knew that for games against Algeria or Costa Rica or Mexico he could compete and he could be the "greatest American soccer player." While it was at a World Cup, he wasn't staring for Italy or Brazil where all the pressure was on. He knew he could do well for a short period of time at Everton, but if he had to battle with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool etc etc on a weekly basis that he would be exposed. Much safer to give all for a handful of games and then go back to the safety of playing Real Salt Lake and Sporting KC - certainly wouldn't want to face the true Real Madrid or even Sporting Lisbon in a European fixture.<br />
<br />
So Donovan will put on his boots for a last time in anger today. The end of a career that promised so much more at the beginning. What I find a delicious paradox is another US soccer star that I was looking up this week - Freddy Adu. A player that was suppose to not only surpass Donovan in terms of US star but pass the likes of Pele and Messi as global stars has fallen flat on his face. Yet, Adu is still in Europe, working his craft. Chasing a dream that has taken a massive hit - does anyone think he will ever showcase for the US national team again? But kudos to him, unlike Landycakes, he is taking the challenges and failures of European football...anyone want to guess where he is playing??<br />
<br />
So adieu Landycakes. I, as I have tended to do, will be rooting against you this game. For once I will be rooting for the team you are playing not against the hype that you represented.<br />
<br />
Oh the game. I think that New England will find a way to win a tough match. Jones and Nguyen will have a huge part to play controlling that midfield and choking out any service to Keane and Donovan. NE 2 - LA 1<br />
<br />
And who does Adu play for? Answer - FK Jagodina GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-86753134804141714912014-11-18T18:00:00.002-05:002014-11-18T18:00:32.746-05:00Les Bleus end the season with a solid 1-0 victory over the Zlatanless Swedes.France close out 2014 on a positive note with a <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Les-bleus-sur-une-bonne-note/516018">1-0 defeat of Sweden</a> in Marseilles. Overall a much better game than a few days ago against Albania. Let's dive into the game:<br />
<br />
<b>The Good:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Ending the year on <b>a victory</b> - that is always a positive. <b> </b>Les Bleus end the 2014 season on an overall positive record. They scored in every game but two - against Ecuador in the last group game of the World Cup and against Germany in the 1/4 finals. Without needing to qualify, they have still faced off against some larger footballing sides, notably Portugal and Spain, but victories. 2015 will be a big year for Les Bleus as they build up to the Euros in 2016.</li>
<li>The captain for the day - <b>Varane</b> - demonstrated why many peg him as the likely candidate to becoming the permanent national side captain in the near future. It was his goal that liberated Les Bleus, but it was his defensive play that is what continues to impressive. His pace is world class and his command of the back line shows signs of maturity beyond his youthful age. It is <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQFvlw4NdeA/VGvPNnkkarI/AAAAAAAAEkE/0JQFEyoo5dA/s1600/But-Varane_full_diapos_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQFvlw4NdeA/VGvPNnkkarI/AAAAAAAAEkE/0JQFEyoo5dA/s1600/But-Varane_full_diapos_large.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad night - captain and first goal for Les Bleus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
at times amazing to think he doesn't have a fill time starting role at Real Madrid. France are in good hands with him at center back. The question becomes - who will become his center back partner? There are lots of options, but none have distinguished themselves as the clear cut partner for Varane. </li>
<li><b>Les Bleus overall game</b>. Unlike the match against Albania, France came out with a greater determination and carried the game to the Swedes. They dominated the first half possession, having the ball for over 60% of the time. The second half was a little more balanced but France continued to carry the game. Granted Sweden's side was depleted of many of their starters. But it was positive to see France impose their will on the game.</li>
<li>It was a good showing from France's left back - <b>Kurzawa</b>. The AS Monaco left back showed well for himself. After dealing with a minor storm of controversy surrounding him from his poor showing at the U20 qualifier versus Sweden, it was good to see him show well for his first start with the senior squad. His pace was on full display, really giving the Swedes problems. He also provided a number of sumptuous crosses. He clearly will have something to say when it comes to who becomes Frances' #1 left back. </li>
</ul>
<b>The Bad</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li> The <b>French right side</b>....okay okay okay...I know that I have been writing this for about 4 years now. But it remains an issue. Valbuena was lined up on the right side and about 5 minutes into the game guess where he was? Yup. On the left. Yes Payet and Griezmann tried to slot back out to the right but really they were all stuck left of center. The one option on the right were the runs from the French right back - Sagna. He did a decent job keeping some balance but whether it is Sagna or Debuchy there has to be more than just the full backs as offensive options. Not sure whether it is Valbuena, Payet, Sissoko, Remy, Menez, Benzema etc etc, but this has to be solved in 2015. </li>
<li>Please please please find me another <b>regular penalty kick taker</b>. Benzema did his best job of trying to give a fan a souvenir when he took the penalty kick - blasting his shot into row Z. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBqxekMPbdA/VGvPdSIQ_sI/AAAAAAAAEkM/3i7lZc9avSo/s1600/Benzema_full_diapos_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBqxekMPbdA/VGvPdSIQ_sI/AAAAAAAAEkM/3i7lZc9avSo/s1600/Benzema_full_diapos_large.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Row Z...LOOK OUT!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Remember the weak kick he took against Switzerland during the World Cup? Since Ribery has taken his international retirement, France have not had a penalty taker that I am 100% confident in. Yes we have been spoiled in the past with the likes of Zidane, Henry and even Ribery. But Deschamps needs to figure out who can take these set pieces. I am not sure who on the roster can step up and take these on a regular basis. Reality is Benzema might be the default option...but if he is, then he better practice them on a regular basis.</li>
</ul>
<b>The Ugly</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>I realize that Digne plays for the hated PSG, but <b>the whistling and booing </b>rained down on the French left back was ugly. Yes maybe my PSG bias might be showing, but seriously. Digne is representing the national side, fans need to focus on that rather than which club he plays for. I would hate to think that if France were playing a European Cup game in Marseille that the PSG players would be subjected to the same treatment. </li>
</ul>
Overall a good way to end the international season. France should have come out with a more comfortable victory - especially if Benzema could take a PK - but a win is a win. Heading into 2015 Deschamps will have to think about his left back, who will partner with Varane and which formation to lean on? Of course he has time and how his players evolve with their clubs will dictate some of his choices. Good end of 2014, on to 2015...<br />
<br />
Allez les Bleus. GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-61345150944106646862014-11-18T09:05:00.000-05:002014-11-18T09:05:11.485-05:00Deschamps with a 4-2-3-1 to face Sweden...at least not the 4-4-2 again.Without much surprise, Deschamps has made some changes to the starting line that will take on the Ibra-less Sweden today at Marseilles' Velodrome. Not going back to the 4-3-3 but at least changing the <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Payet-avec-les-titulaires/515749">4-4-2</a> that was so bland against Albania. He is also leaning heavily on the OM contingent of his roster. The line up:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMI6jnTj9f8/VGtPgq4XdRI/AAAAAAAAEj4/4SfPBFVMnk0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-18%2Bat%2B8.53.37%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMI6jnTj9f8/VGtPgq4XdRI/AAAAAAAAEj4/4SfPBFVMnk0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-18%2Bat%2B8.53.37%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
No surprise in goal, or on defense as DD gets the players that were on the bench against Albania a start - I wonder if we will see Zouma at some point making his debut for the senior squad. The midfield duo of Pogba and Guilavogui will be one to watch. Pogba had a mediocre game against Albania and the Wolfsburg midfielder Guilavogui will be looking to score some points as that position has some serious competition - Cabaye, Matuidi, Sissoko, Mavuba, Scheiderlin to name a few.<br />
<br />
Griezmann and Valbuena will assume their familiar roles out wide, the question will be can Payet play that #10 role? And how will he interact with his former Marseille teammate Valbuena who tends to drift inside. Gignac up front will look to continue to reestablish himself as a legitimate international level striker. Something I still have my doubts about. The reality is that there is a role to find behind Benzema. With <a href="http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9443591/arsene-wenger-confirms-injured-arsenal-striker-olivier-giroud-will-be-out-until-new-year">Giroud out</a> until the new year, players like Gignac have card to play to secure their role on the national side.<br />
<br />
Sweden will be <a href="http://www.thelocal.se/20141117/zlatan-to-miss-swedens-friendly-with-france">without Zlatan</a>, so might not be the side fans want to see without their superstar. Regardless, the game should be a good one in the raucous Marseille stadium. I look for Les Bleus to play with a little more urgency than they did against Albania. They should be motivated for this game - last international of the year, at Marseilles with 3 current players from OM and against a team they have struggled against recently.<br />
<br />
Les Bleus 2 - Zlatanless Sweden 1 Goals from Griezmann and Pogba.<br />
<br />
Allez les Bleus!GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-74923708234242124692014-11-17T11:47:00.001-05:002014-11-17T11:47:26.787-05:00Which line up for France v Sweden for DD?Les Bleus will face off against Sweden tomorrow in their final international match of the year. After a tepid showing against Albania, much will be expected from this match. Do France need to come out and give us a scintillating 3-0 win? No. It would be nice...but not to be expected. Les Bleus need to come out and show more than they did against Albania. Last time the French faced the Swedes they left with a 2-0 defeat in the last group game of the Euros in Ukraine/Poland. Deschamps also faces a number of players that have dropped out due to injury - <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/fil-info/yanga-mbiwa-et-schneiderlin-forfait-722618">Yanga-Mbiwa and Schneiderlin</a> most notable. So what could the French formation look like tomorrow?<br />
<br />
First I think that DD will go back to his 4-3-3. I also expect some new faces on the field.<br />
<br />
We already know that in goal we will have Mandanda in place of Lloris, a nice reward for the OM keeper to get a start on his home pitch.<br />
<br />
On defense, I would like to see Kurzawa on the left start for Les Bleus. In his 20 minutes on the field against Albania he showed some pace and offensive ability otherwise not there with the other options. He made one turn that looked more like a strikers' move then a left back. Of course it might be <a href="http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/11/16/ag-manchester-citys-mangala-set-for-france-return-against-sweden/">Mangala</a> as the center back pairing. It would be surprising to see Zouma as a starter, unless Managala's calf is not 100%.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Q3tLHg7mU/VGomXJvMcWI/AAAAAAAAEjs/jpIhRTePCl4/s1600/Bz7yvb7CEAAmLkn.png_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Q3tLHg7mU/VGomXJvMcWI/AAAAAAAAEjs/jpIhRTePCl4/s1600/Bz7yvb7CEAAmLkn.png_large.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophomoric behavior!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
interesting to see the Monaco left back getting a start against the nation he acted in such a sophomoric manner against with the U20s. I expect to see Jallet back on the right, Varane in the middle and <br />
<br />
The middle 3 will look familiar - Cabaye, Pogba and Sissoko as the middle three. Cabaye will have the role of sitting deeper of the three while I expect Pogba and Sissoko to "split" the field between the right and the left.<br />
<br />
For the top three offensive players - I would like to see Griezmann on the left and Valbuena on the right. Look for Gignac to get a start in the middle as the lone striker - another opportunity to have a OM player on his home field. DD could also insert Payet on the right in place of Valbuena for the same reason. And see if Payet can offer a real solution out on the right side.<br />
<br />
It would be good to see both <span itemprop="articleBody">Guilavogui and Zouma get some time in the match during the second half. See how the Wolfsburg midfielder can integrate with the likes of Cabaye/Pogba/Sissoko as well as if the Chelsea central defender can provide cover or partner with Varane.</span><br />
<span itemprop="articleBody"><br /></span>
<span itemprop="articleBody">I will be interesting to see what DD is thinking with his line up and formation.</span><br />
<span itemprop="articleBody"><br /></span>
<span itemprop="articleBody">Allez les Bleus!</span><br />
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<br />GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-51355956653258888362014-11-14T21:29:00.001-05:002014-11-14T21:29:04.976-05:00France v Albania...Les Bleus lucky to escape with a draw.Thankfully that game did not count towards France's qualification efforts...what a bland bland bland effort from Les Bleus. Albania, gasp, were the <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/actualites/des-bleus-moins-convaincants">better team</a> on the night. From the start it was apparent that the team Deschamps rolled out onto the pitch was only there physically and certainly not mentally. Anyways...the game was a friendly...end of the season...at least they didn't lose.<br />
<br />
<b>The Good</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Lloris was world class</b>. He was not at fault on the Albanian goal, a impeccably placed header after France failed to clear the corner kick. Otherwise the Tottenham keeper played a solid game, making some very good saves. One on a long range shot that came down the right flank. The save looked decent in real time, when you saw the replay one realizes what a difficult save it turned out to be as the ball was dancing all over the place and Lloris showed great skill in <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JcmuFMwpTE/VGax1RFAeHI/AAAAAAAAEjg/PSSfzN7jO9s/s1600/Lloris_full_diapos_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JcmuFMwpTE/VGax1RFAeHI/AAAAAAAAEjg/PSSfzN7jO9s/s1600/Lloris_full_diapos_large.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big save that kept it a one goal deficit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
parrying the shot. He made another huge save on a defensive breakdown where he had to parry a bullet of a shot that was heading for the upper corner. The Spurs' keeper was also in command of his area. In a bland showing he was the one bright spot...and without him it could easily have been 3 or 2 goals to the Eastern Europeans. </li>
<li>The insertion of <b>Griezmann</b> changed the game. Coming on late in the game, the Atletico Madrid winger quickly placed his stamp on the game. Bringing pace and some offensive punch that was otherwise absent from the French attack. His goal was a perfect two man game on the wing. He and the French right back, Jallet, played a give and go game that sprung Griezmann into the Albanian penalty area where he clinically finish. </li>
<li>The <b>Albanians</b>. For a team I thought would pack it in, they took the game to the French. for some stretches they were outclassing the hosts. Ever dangerous on set pieces and smart with their counter attacking. Their fullbacks were dangerous down the flanks and their center backs a constant threat in the air on set pieces. The midfield did a good job collapsing to thwart any French offensive forays. They are a sneaky side that could find a way to the Euros, don't forget they already took 3 points off of the Portuguese. </li>
</ul>
<b>The Bad</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The French 4-4-2...was abysmal</b>. I had written about this earlier but I was not convinced that the 2 striker formation would work. And I feel as if it didn't. The high line was clogged up by both Benzema and Lacazette operating in the same space. The midfield had no width. And the fullbacks were able to push up but their offensive forays were too often "one and done" runs, which then left a lot of room behind them for Albania counters. Cabaye seemed to be asked to scramble to much to fill in the spaces left by the fullbacks. Les Bleus used to be able to run out strikers, when those strikers were named Henry and Trezeguet...and they had a certain Zidane in the midfield. Henry was really more of a roaming striker, while Trez was a true #9. France do not have those players. I hope that DD rolled out this formation based on necessity. I certainly do not expect to see it again in the near future. </li>
<li><b>Finishing</b>...stop me if you have heard this before....Les Bleus just lack any clinical finishing, other than the Griezmann goal. Benzema had the 2-1 ball on his foot but inexplicably ballooned it from 10 yard out. Otherwise there just was not finishing threat. Concerning. </li>
</ul>
<b>The Ugly</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Lack of rhythm</b>...Les Bleus looked like they were sleep walking, had zero consistency with they play. They never really controlled the match. Even when they were mounting some sustained threats to the Albanian goal, it did not feel like the French had their finger on the pulse of the game. They still looked like they were chasing the Albanians. Yes Les Bleus were missing the likes of Matuidi, but the apparent lack of consistency and ability to dictate the game was a bit disconcerting. If they play like this against Zlatan and his merry band from Sweden, it might get ugly.</li>
</ul>
Okay so France move on with a "point" from this game. Thankfully it does not mean anything, but there were more areas of concern than of good. Let us hope that their next match, against a much larger fish, is better than what we saw in Rennes. GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-17084400895720095372014-11-13T18:57:00.001-05:002014-11-13T18:57:18.934-05:00DD back to the 4-4-2...out of necessity or a real option moving forward?Reports coming out of Clairefontaine would have us believe that Les Bleus will come out tomorrow back in a traditional 4-4-2. Hmmm. Not sure what to make of that. Readers of this blog will know that I think France plays better when they play a 4-3-3, taking advantage of their depth and quality in the midfield trident and allowing their wide players to carry the attack - leaning on a lone striker to roam around the penalty box. Starting with 2 high strikers might create a lot of congestion in the attacking 1/3. The <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/actualites/avec-sissoko-et-un-duo-benzema-lacazette-722389">potential line up</a> -<br />
<br />
Lloris - Jallet, Varane, Yanga Mbiwa, Digne - Sissoko, Cabaye, Valbuena, Pogba - Lacazette, Benzema<br />
<br />
Some items to watch:<br />
<ul>
<li>Deschamps is putting the former and current Lyon strikers together. <b>How will Benzema function with someone playing off his shoulder. </b>Karim seems to function better as the lone striker, even at Real Madrid when he is partnering with the likes of Ronaldo, the Portuguese is more of a winger. Lacazette has been lined up as a striker for Lyon, even though he is believed to have a future on the wing. Will the two strikers compliment one another...or get in each <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ILg4LgW8aA/VGVFQcg8oqI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/ym_nHTSRbXM/s1600/Stats-Lacazette-rivalise-avec-Benzema_article_hover_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ILg4LgW8aA/VGVFQcg8oqI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/ym_nHTSRbXM/s320/Stats-Lacazette-rivalise-avec-Benzema_article_hover_preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The OL connection - will it succeed?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
others' way?</li>
<li><b>Is that really a 4 man midfield?</b> Or more of a 3 deep lying midfield with a false #9 in Valbuena? The formation reads 4-4-2, but I can see Valbuena being asked to push higher on the pitch, sitting in the space right behind the two strikers, with the trio of Sissoko, Cabaye and Pogba as the defensive/linking midfield. I could even see Cabaye being the deeper lying player, right in front of the defensive back 4, Sissoko being given responsibility for the right and Pogba the left side of the formation. It will be interesting to see how this midfield evolves. But I certainly doubt it will be a flat 4.</li>
<li><b>Where will the wide play come from? </b>With out the usual wingers or formation rolled out, where will the offense come from the wings? Expect Digne and Jallet to be instructed to push high and wide on the pitch. They will be asked to provide the bulk of the crosses and wide runs, overlapping the midfielders to offer wide options for Valbuena.</li>
</ul>
I am not sure how much we will be able to deduce from this first game, they are not playing the metal of world football. It should be a good test as I expect Albania to pack it in and look to strike on the counter. That will shine the light on how well the fullbacks are able to bring some dangerous crosses, how does Benzema and Lacazette attack the Albania goal as a tandem and can Valbuena break down the defense as the #10? <br />
<br />
Prediction - France 2: Albania 0 goals from Cabaye and Benzema.<br />
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Allez Les Bleus!!GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-18596522487446397972014-11-12T21:43:00.001-05:002014-11-12T21:51:21.250-05:00Deschamps has to back track with his views on the U20sWell well well...a few injuries and suddenly Deschamps has to backtrack on his stance with regards to including any of the French U20s. The latest is<a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/actualites/et-maintenant-kurt-zouma-!-722068"> Kurt Zouma</a> from Chelsea who has been brought into the senior squad. This after <a href="http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/fil-info/tremoulinas-forfait-kurzawa-appele-721874">Kurzawa </a>was brought in to replace the injured Tremoulinas. That might have been the more awkward call up for DD, as it was the Monaco left back that was the leader of the sophomoric behavior of the French U20 team against Sweden...how juicy that France will be playing Sweden during this international break.<br />
<br />
Overall I think this is actually a good thing for Deschamps. He needs to start looking at some of the young talent he has at the U20 level. Players like Zouma and especially Kurzawa have legitimate ambitions to being part of the squad that plays on home soil the 2016 Euros. Kurzawa in particular as the French left back role, I believe, is a position ripe for new blood.<br />
<br />
Another name that has pulled out is Matuidi, Gonalons was called up in reinforcement. This will open the door for Schneiderlin to assume greater time on the pitch. Could this be to the detriment of Cabaye, who is not getting much time at PSG?<br />
<br />
With so many names missing, will Deschamps use these two games for some experimental <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5dHsyMxFRU/VGQan2-I2yI/AAAAAAAAEic/kSnHwxJus0c/s1600/joie-lyon-alexandre-lacazette-26-01-2014-lyon---evian-thonon-22eme-journee-de-ligue-1---20140127092546-1565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5dHsyMxFRU/VGQan2-I2yI/AAAAAAAAEic/kSnHwxJus0c/s320/joie-lyon-alexandre-lacazette-26-01-2014-lyon---evian-thonon-22eme-journee-de-ligue-1---20140127092546-1565.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More celebrations to come in blue?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
sides? I hope so. Players like Lacazette, Guilavogui, Scheiderlin, Yanga-Mbiwa and Kurzawa should get substantial time over the two games. Rotate some of the midfielders along side Pogba to see how they function with the emerging main stay of the French midfield. In the back it would be good to find out what Kurzawa can do on the left as well as Yanga-Mbiwa in the center paired with the likes of Varane. Up front it would be good to see if Lacazette is an option, either as a striker or out on the wing.<br />
<br />
I do not believe that many of the starting roles are in question if Deschamps has his full roster. The places I see some question marks - left back, right wing and possibly left wing (but that is Griezmanns for now). The real questions are the second level players. Who are the ones that provide the depth needed? That would be across the field, but really at the striker role and creative midfielder. It will be interesting to see what DD does with these two games.<br />
<br />
Allez les Bleus!GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11295776.post-2775104865885618842014-11-06T17:16:00.001-05:002014-11-06T17:16:06.759-05:00Les Bleus - roster for last internationals - the U20 get shut out.Deschamps announced his list of players for the last round of international friendlies for their matches on the 14th against Albania and 4 days later against Sweden. Not to many surprised on the list...other than the exclusion of any U20 players. No doubt because of their catastrophic showing against Sweden in the qualifiers.<br />
<br />
The list:<br />
<br />
<span itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="paragr paragraf2">
<strong>Gardiens de but :</strong> Lloris (Tottenham), Mandanda (Marseille), Costil (Rennes)<br /><div>
<br /> <strong>Défenseurs :</strong> Digne
(PSG), Jallet (Lyon), Mangala (Manchester City), Sagna (City), Varane
(Real Madrid), Yanga-Mbiwa (Roma), Trémoulinas (Séville), Perrin
(Saint-Etienne)<br /> <br /> <strong>Milieux de terrain :</strong> Cabaye (PSG), Matuidi (PSG), Pogba (Juventus), Schneiderlin (Southampton), Sissoko (Newcastle), Guilavogui (Wolfsburg)<br /> <br /> <strong>Attaquants : </strong>Benzema
(Real Madrid), Gignac (Marseille), Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Payet
(Marseille), Valbuena (Dynamo Moscou), Lacazette (Lyon)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Not many surprises, but DD had to deal with a decimated defensive core with Kos, Sakho, Mathieu and Evra all being sidelined with injuries. We get to see most of the reservists from the World Cup - Tremoulinas and Perrin on defense. Interesting to see Guilavogui back in the picture. It will be interesting to see if the midfielder gets any time over the two games. One area that DD has a wealth of options is in the holding midfielder role. Up front I am a little surprised to see Payet again, as I have stated in the past, I just don't see it with the former Nantes player. He really isn't a ride sided player and not sure he fits in the middle of park...actually I am not sure he is a full international at all. It will good to see Lacazette on the roster, see if he can give DD a legit option up front behind Benzema.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It will be also interesting to see how DD leans on lining them up against Albania. Also, when will DD start calling up some of the U20. He specifically stated that he did not want to reward any of the U20 players after their poor showing. But the likes of Kurzawa were specifically singled out after his <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2014/10/15/5188346/kurzawa-is-a-moron-domenech-condemns-sweden-salute">sophomoric behavior</a> away to Sweden last month. However at some point some of these players will have to start integrating into the senior squad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next week will tell us a lot about what DD is thinking in terms of his line up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Allez les Bleus. </div>
</div>
</span>GFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528949404489200110noreply@blogger.com2