International Friendlies

Yesterday was a day full of friendlies. Some reactions:

England - Uruguay: I was able to watch the game thanks to FoxSoccer. England looked okay, they scored late in the game when Crouch did about the only thing he is good for which is out jump a smaller defender. Cole looked good running around the midfield. But overall I was not impressed with England. They have the pieces but are still looking for the right formation.

Italy - Germany: What can I say, Italy completely destroyed Germany. That does not bode well for the host naton of World Cup 2006. Italy showed that it does have the fire power to go far in the tournament, and all this without Totti, if and when he comes back this team will be very scarey. No one doubts that Italy will be able to play defense, but if they can score look out. For Germany this continues a run of poor games, they have not yet demonstrated they are a true contender. Germany has not done well against stronger opponents and this just continues with this lose.

Now the big one for me....

France - Slovakia....How could the French lose to this team? Actually I am not at all surprised. While I was not able to watch the game, I did watch the game cast on the web. It appears that the first40 minutes were dominated by the French. The combo of Anelka and Trezeguet appeared to work very well. Zidane seems as if he was controlling the distribution of the ball while Vieira was his usual workhorse in the midfield. However once again the French did not capitalize on their opportunities, this is dangerous. The other problem is the French started with 3 defensive midfielders. Why not play Wiltord on one of the wings or have Malouda support Zidane. Dhorasso still does not convince me on the international level. The French lost due to a set play, but should have and could have won the game had they capitalized the first half. I think that there is still time for France to figure out what they are trying to do, but that time is fleeting. Maybe France should play with Trezeguet - Anelka up front, Zidane and Henry behind (allow Henry to roam the field), Vieira and Makelele as holding midfielders, Gallas - Thuram in the middle, Sagnol and Undetermined on the wings....and please have Coupet in net....