Well that was unexpected - France to go with both Benzema and Giroud

The headlines have been dominated this week with Ribery's injury that has cause him to pull out of the squad heading to Brazil. With the absence of Ribery, the question became - who would replace the Kaiser on the left side. I surmised that it was down to either Griezmann or Remy. But it appears that Deschamps will throw out another option - Benzema on the left.

Interesting. As I had written in my last post, Benzema is more of a dribbler, ball at feet striker. Giroud is more of the in the box, distributing or putting shots on goal via his aerial game striker. Maybe Deschamps does not have to decide which striker he will start...he can start both. The formation is interesting with Valbuena out on the right. On the surface it appears to be the usual 4-3-3 formation. But I would put forth that the formation might morph into a 4-3-1-2, with Valbuena being allowed to roam behind the Benzema and Giroud. This will place a lot of pressure on these three players to create the offensive triangle up front to put pressure on the opponent's goal. An interesting formation to say the least.

Other changes - Kos will be on the bench in his place will be Varane. Debuchy back at right back and Sissoko will replace Pogba, to give the Juventus man some down time.

Things to watch for:

• Will Varane play his way back to the starting line up?
• How much time will the last two call ups get? Scheiderlin and Cabella?
• Speaking of the call ups, where will we see Cabella? Left wing or right or in the middle?
• Scheiderlin - expect him to get his first cap for Les Bleus. I bet he comes in for Matuidi at the half.
• How will Benzema fare out on the left wing?

 After tomorrow it will be for real. France have much to work on, and only have 90 minutes to do so. Lots to watch for.

Allez les bleus

No Ribery ... No Problem

So our fears have come to fruition. De Kaiser will not be heading to Brazil with Les Bleus. The Bayern Munich and France left winger did not recover fast enough to be fit to head to the World Cup for France. I said "no problem" tongue in cheek...first let me make a clear point: France is NOT better off without their left winger. Les Bleus have suffered a serious set back without having their true #7 patrolling the left flank. Is all lost for France? No. Even without Kaiser Franck, I think Les Bleus have a good chance to reach the 1/4 finals. But without Ribery, they have little if not zero chances of getting beyond the 1/4 finals. And their journey to the 1/4 finals will be more of a challenge than previously.

Now that we know there will be no Ribery, how does this impact Les Bleus?

• Who plays on the left side of the formation? Remy or Griezmann? The Real Sociedad winger is the most natural fit. He is a natural left footed player. Plays a more "traditional" left wing role - meaning he is more likely to hug the touch line, make runs to the end line and look to hit crosses. As opposed to Ribery who was more of a 1v1 attacking player who liked to come from the wing and cut back to the inside. I know that Remy was tried out in that role against Paraguay, but I think the Newcastle man will more likely be leveraged as a player off the bench that can play as a second striker, right or left winger. There will also be more importance placed on Evra and his ability to bring some offensive punch from his left back position.
• Speaking of crosses, does this impact whether it will be Benzema or Giroud up front? Without Ribery, I do think DD needs to consider starting Giroud. The Arsenal striker's playing style is to sit on the last defender's shoulder and to use his aerial game to either put crosses on goal or knock them down for teammates making runs off his distribution. Benzema tends to like to drift more, play deeper at times and plays more with the ball at his feet. DD might want this style more now that he does not have his pacey left winger. There could be the need for another player that is willing to drop deep to collect the ball and attack the opposing team. But there needs to be some consideration with regards to the different style of striker DD has available. 
• The offensive fulcrum is now squarely on Valbuena's shoulders. Le Petit Velo has

  

  The keys to the offense are yours Petit Velo

  become one of DD's main offensive catalysts, even when Ribery was on the field. Without the Bayern winger, even more of the offensive emphasis will fall on the Marseille midifielder's shoulders. I think he can and will be successful with the added offensive responsibility. He is also not entire alone - more will be expected from the likes of Cabaye, Pogba and Matuidi to be more offense in their play.

There is no way to spin this as anything but devastating for Les Bleus. The silver lining is that this injury is one that DD has been aware of since day one of camp, so I am sure, or maybe I hope, he has been preparing for this possible situation behind closed doors. Clearly he has had to make due without Ribery during France's friendly matches. The only worse situation would have been to keep Ribery on the roster and constantly wondered if and when he would return.

Now Les Bleus know the situation and what they have to work with. The cupboard is far from being bare, and I think France still have a good opportunity to make a run to the 1/4 finals. That would be a success.

Allez les Bleus.

French attacking midfielder out of World Cup...not the one you think

Ribery and Grenier for one Cabella?

With all the smoke swirling around the healthy of Ribery, another attacking player had to bow out of the French squad. The OL midfielder, Grenier, had to pull out of the squad. In my opinion not the biggest loss. I have never been enamored with the Lyon play-maker. He has some talents and is good at set pieces, but I am not convinced he is a game changer coming off the bench. Which would have been his role. In his place DD, called up Cabella to replace him. Not a surprise. A like for like attacking midfielder. To me, Cabella is a player that can bring something off the bench - pace, attacking minded dribbling, a player that can
single handily break down a defense 1 v 1.

Of course the Ribery story will not go away, with some reports stating that DD has also called up Schneiderlin. In anticipation of a Ribery announcement? I hope not. However I would rather DD make a decision of leaving Ribery at home if there are too many questions of his fitness than drag him to Brazil and then play the "what if game" every day...something to continue keeping an eye on. Of course Schneiderlin is not a like for like swap. If Both Ribery and Gernier are bowing out, DD has replaced them with another attacking minded player and with a more defensive minded player. This could have some ramifications on the line ups and tactics for DD. More on this if the time comes.

Insight in to Klinsmann thinking - reinforces theory into why Landycakes not going to Brazil

A great article on Klinsmann in today's New York Times - click here. Some very interesting looks into the mindset of the German. Lots of which reinforces many of the theories behind why the likes of Landycakes is not on the roster.

The main undertone of the story is that Klinsmann realizes that there is not enough pure home grown talent and that Europe is where his gaze is to attract talent. To me it feels very much like national teams from Algeria, Tunisia or Morocco who focus on French players with linkages to North Africa. A source for Klinsmann's admiration for the European based players is they face better competition year round, and he makes no secret his looking down on both the NCAA and the MLS.

" Put simply, Klinsmann would like to see his players carry themselves like their European counterparts — the way he used to."

This adds to the fuel to the "Landycakes stay home" fire. Dononvan has never been

No fan of the German running USMNT

accused of carrying himself like a European player. His failures in Europe are well documented. And clearly Klinsmann does not look kindly on that aspect of Donovan's game or mental make up. Sabbatical, unheard of for European counterparts. Klinsmann further pushes this thinking:

If Klinsmann had his way, the United States roster would be made up of Americans playing their club soccer in Europe, facing the best competition in the world on a daily basis instead of only a few games every few years.

“The more players we can get playing at the top levels over there, the better it will be,” he told me. “That is one sign of progress.”

Interesting. Makes you wonder why the likes of Bradley and Dempsey came back the MLS, I am sure that both those moves put a real burr in Klinsmann's saddle.  

The other point I took out of the article is the power which Klinsmann holds over US Soccer. It is interesting that the article makes a point that the German did not tell anyone prior that he was not going to take Donovan. And that had some serious commercial implications as US Soccer was already lining up marketing efforts around the US star leading up to the World Cup. Ooops. From that stand point I agree with Klinsmann. This is not about some marketing campaign or how many tshirts US Soccer and Nike can sell.

Finally, even though Klinsmann announced that the US was not going to win the World Cup (I realize most would agree with that statement, but for the head coach to come out and be so blunt...) and that he has a contract until the Russian World Cup in 2018, there are no shortage of those ready to pounce if he fails in Brazil. I was surprised at how blunt Bruce Arena was with the approach Klinsmann was taking. The former US Soccer national team manager does not seem to favor looking outside for soccer talent. I would caution Klinsmann that if the US crashes out of the World Cup and looks bad doing so - see what happened in the 1998 World Cup - there might become a situation where enough influential voices force a buy out and change at the head of the team. 

In international soccer one thing is sure, no coach, no matter what their stature or contract are only as good as the last tournament they participate in....well unless you are Domenech.

Well worth reading the article, how do you take the piece?

Platoch, say it ain't so - Rumors continue to swirl with Qatar 2022 World Cup

The whole Qatar World Cup 2022 debacle continues. And this blog has always contended that it was a catastrophic mistake to allow a tiny nation, with little footballing pedigree, in one of the most inhospitable weather locations to host one of the most important global sporting event. The controversy only gets worse with reports that the president of the UEFA - Michel Platini - is suspected of being illegally swayed by Bin Hammam to vote for Qatar.

My admiration for Platini is also no secret. He was my childhood footy hero. I remember him dominating the 1984 European Cup, scoring a ridiculous amount of goals - 9. Putting away two hat tricks, against Belgium and Yugoslavia. As well as hitting the winning goal versus Portugal in Marseilles in the dying minutes of extra time to go to the finals.



He also has done some wonderful things post playing career - a short lived stint as manager of Les Bleus. Undefeated in qualification for the 1992 Euros, but playing poorly in the tournament. Platini was instrumental in getting France to host the World Cup in 1998 and influential in getting the Euros there in 2016. His efforts with financial fair play have not been perfect but a move in the right direction as have his emphasis on getting greater participation from more nations in the Champions League.

Of course I do not agree with everything he has lobbied for. I do not believe he is right with his ideas around expansion of the Euros, big mistake. Nor his idea of having multiple cities host the Euro championships or even the crazy idea of inviting a non-European nation to the tournament...huh???

The main accuser is the Daily Telegraph - click here for article. Based on the article there is a trail of meetings prior to the final vote for the World Cup where Platini met with Bin Hammam, at a private breakfast. As well as meetings with the then French President - Sarkozy. Does this mean that Platini took a bribe to vote for Qatar? That is a very dangerous leap to make. And one has to judge the source. It is no secret that there is no love lost between the british press and Platini. Yes there seems some sketchiness that Platini's son Laurent was given a job as head of a Burrda a Qatar sports company. But getting someone a job is far from the accusations of large sums of money being given to influence votes. I am sure that every nation that is bidding for the tournament sends representatives to lobby influential voters. So let us not act as if these types of meetings are not happening all the time - just look at any Olympic bid...Socchi anyone?

If there emerges some more nefarious information that comes out about these meetings, then shame on Platini. And if there is more damaging information that comes out, I would be the first to say Platoch would need to step down. However, let's not allow a witch hunt by the British press be accepted as fact.

Regardless of how you look at it, the Qatar World Cup bid remains embroiled in controversy. Something that is never too far away from anything Sepp Blatter is associated with.  I am hoping that somehow the bidding process will become so tainted that Blatter has no choice but to reopen the bidding process. The Qatar World Cup has been a disaster...8 years before the games are even scheduled to be played! There are no shortage of people, myself included, that is looking for any loop hole to find a way to take the tournament out of Qatar and give it to a more legitimate host.

And the drama continues.

Ribery's back - what to do with the French left winger

One story line that will not go away, and is really just picking up steam is what to do with Ribery. I mentioned this after the draw against Paraguay, but it appears that the health of the left winger's back is a legitimate concern, less than 2 weeks out from the start of the World Cup. By some accounts it appears that the Bayern Munich star is closer to staying home than he is to going to Brazil. So what is Deschamps to do?

First, I think there is nothing to do until DD absolutely has to make a change. Per FIFA rules, DD can wait until 24 hours before the first match against Honduras on June 15th to make a change. Unless Ribery is 100% certain to not be fit for the World Cup, why do anything official.

I do believe, or maybe hope, that DD is working on a plan B in the back ground. Who would slot in on the left if Ribery cannot go? Which player would he call up to fill the vacated roster spot? Will he have to change his tactical thinking?

• It feels as if DD is using these preparation matches as a dry run for the possibility of not having his left winger. Starting both Griezmann and then Remy on that flank against Norway and then Paraguay. Both players demonstrated that they bring some value to the formation and can more than handle themselves on the left. Also, leaving in Evra for the bulk of the two matches shows me that DD wants to ensure his left back gets accustomed to playing with different combinations in front of him. If Ribery cannot go, my vote would be to have Griezmann get the nod over Remy. Why? First I think the Real Sociedad player is a much more natural fit at left wing. A natural lefty (yes I

  

  My back is just fine fellas...no really

  know Ribery is a righty that likes to play on the left) who seems comfortable at that role. I also like Remy's ability to play at the top of the formation or on either flank as an option coming off the bench.
• With regards to who fills the spot if Ribery is left at home, that is an interesting question. The pure offensive players he has on his reserve list are Lacazette and Cabella. Looking back, it might be telling that Deschamps gave Cabella some run during the Norway match. The player is a natural attacking midfielder, but could play on the flanks as well. He does possess some pace and dribbling ability. While Lacazette is more of a top of the formation player - center forward or winger. Both players are right footed. As of right now I would bet on the Montpellier midifielder to get the call if Ribery cannot go. I think that DD will want a player that can single handily take on defenders and break down defenses...a big component of Ribery's game. 
• Speaking of breaking down teams, I do not think this will change France with regards to tactics. What it will do is place more pressure on the shoulders of Valbuena as the creative fulcrum for France. Another reason why I see Cabella taking the spot if Ribery cannot play is the potential need for another creative playmaker in the mix. If De Kaiser cannot go to Brazil I also expect more offensive responsibilities to be asked of the three musketeers - Pogba, Cabaye and Matuidi. Which will also mean the likes of Pogba needing to consistently give 90 minutes. Something he can do, but must do with more consistency. 

 Without Ribery not all is lost for Les Bleus. I still think their chances of getting to a 1/4 finals are good. After that I still do not like them advancing past Germany. The question for Deschamps is what happens in a week if Ribery is not 100% but 75%? Based on what DD has been saying, he expects his player to be ready for the Jamaica game next Sunday. But what if he isn't? Does DD hope he can be ready by the knock out rounds? France has been down this path before - 2002 World Cup Zidane picked up a knock in the last warm up game and was not ready to play but was kept on the roster. France go out in three games. I would argue France went out of the World Cup for more than just Zidane being hurt. For some reason Lemerre decided to leave Micoud on the bench rather than starting the creative midfielder and playing him in the role he was so successful at in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen. I would have played Micoud behind Henry and Trezeguet, with Petit, Vieira and Makelele as the midfield trident. But I digress. Same thing in 2008 when Domenech decided to bring an injured Pat Vieira to the Euros. Again a tournament France crashed out after 3 games, and again not solely because of one injured player who could not play. That tourney was 100% on Domenech...gets me mad just thinking about that fool.

Deschamps will have a difficult decision to make in a week or two. He should be preparing for the worst - no Ribery and hoping for the best - De Kaiser being close to 100% by the Honduras match.

Allez les Bleus!

Les Bleus hit a pothole on way to Brazil - some issues to deal with.

France leave the south of France with a 1-1 draw versus Paraguay. A French team which controlled and dominated most of the game, but some lack of finishing. End of the day no injuries and a result like kissing your sister...blah.

The Good:

• If this was a hockey game, my #1 star would go to Giroud. The Arsenal striker showed his quality and most noticeably in the air. He was called upon to receive the ball high up the pitch and distribute to the attacking wingers and midfielders. Something he did with aplomb. He could have had himself a goal in the 82nd minute on a header off a corner, which did lead to Griezmann's goal. He was also cheeky in the first half on a cross to Remy which was almost a high light goal in the 32nd minute. Giroud's play over the last two games make it a legitimate question as to whether or not he should start over Benzema. Time will tell.
• The French defense, for most of the game, was solid. Kos and Sakho looked very comfortable. Sakho made some strong defensive plays in the second half that snuffed

  

  Rock at the center of French defense

  out attacks from Paraguay. Kos playing the role as the launching pad for counter attacks. The wide players, Evra and Sagna, did their job and were solid in the offensive support on the flanks. Although I still wonder if it is worth sacrificing the offensive punch from Debuchy for the defensive strength of Sagna. Lloris also showed the importance of having a quality keeper, making a strong save on Samudio's direct kick in the 55th minute. Lloris was also strong in the air. The goal was not his fault. More on that later.
• No injuries. After what we saw in Ireland this weekend, where Italy lost their starting midfielder, Montolivo, due to a broken leg. Teams have to play these matches, but there is always that fear of injury. Let us hope that France ensure the health of their squad heading to the match against Jamaica. 

The Bad:

• Pogba, not that the Juventus midfielder was terrible. What was bad was his inconsistency. He seems to drift in and out with regards to his intensity. There is no question in his ability, when he wants to he is the heir to the Pat Vieira moniker. However sometimes he seems to get frustrated or lackadaisical with his play. This was clear at the end of the game where he seemed to get lazy and frustrated. It was his foul that lead to the Paraguay goal. Pogba needs to keep his intensity and focus at a high level, like he did last summer when he led the U20 French team to a World Cup title.
• Haven't said this in a few games, but the French finishing was not good. There were some good looks at goal, but clearly not enough goals. Really not even that many testing shots for Silva to face. Remy had a number of chances, Matuidi and the aforementioned Giroud as well. France cannot afford to waste so many chances where they don't even test the keeper. Something to keep an eye on. 

The Ugly:

• Argh so frustrating...why can't France defend set plays? The Paraguay goal by Caceres in the 89th minute was in large part due to awful defending on a set play. Where were the French central defenders??? Sagna was the closest defender...isn't he of small stature compared to the likes of Kos or Mangala? I did give the French defense some praises but they also deserve blame on the goal. Les Bleus have plenty of height to defend such set pieces, so why the still can't seem to do so on a regular basis is frustrating, to say the least.
• The drama from the Paraguayan players. So frustrating. Between Silva's silliness at the end of the game or Paraguayan players flopping whenever there is any contact, real or fake. Les Bleus better get used to such histrionics if they face similar South America sides.

So Les Bleus "drop" a game against Paraguay...ok they didn't lose, but the game left a bad taste. Add to this the continuing saga about whether or not Ribery will make the trip to Brazil and you have a day that did not leave us with as much feel good as we had after the Norway game. Much will be known over the next week, especially with regards to Ribery.  See you in a week when Les Bleus face off against the Reggae Boyz. That will be very telling.

Allez les Bleus.

France v Paraguay: match #2 for Les Bleus, some questions remain

After the flattering 4-0 win over Norway, you would think that France are already in the 1/4 finals at the World Cup. Yes it was a very encouraging win. Coming on the heels of the remarkable 3-0 win against the Ukraine and then the 2-0 win against Holland, it appears that Les Bleus are moving in the right direction. They are. However there remain some questions with this squad.

• Injuries - Benzema reassured everyone that he is fine and will be ready to go. Fingers crossed. Varane seems to be taking normal precautions and I don't think there is anything to worry about. The real question, or fear, is how De Kaiser's back is doing. I am speaking of Ribery. His back remains a real concern, one that Deschamps has not been able to calm fears over. Per World Cup regulations, France have until 24 hours before their kick off against Honduras to replace the Bayern Munich winger from the roster. The fact we are even discussing that rule is concerning. This makes

  

  Let's hope it is a thumbs up with your back

  Griezmann's play that much more important to observe. How does he handle the left side of the attack? Based on what we saw last week against Norway it is positive...but one cannot assume a pattern based on one data point! Let us hope that the Real Sociedad winger continues to improve on his form and that De Kaiser's back allows him to go to Brazil.
• The right side of the formation. I alluded to this in my last post, and it is something I have harped on for a long time - France leans to the left (on the pitch but I guess also in politics...). Even without Ribery on the pitch, the French seem to launch most of their attacks down that flank and even the right sided players, like Valbuena, tend to drift over there. While I like Debuchy as the right back since he brings a legitimate offensive threat from his right side, I have to agree with the Gooner, his defense is a little suspect at times. And without his right winger there to help with the defensive and tracking duties, it leaves that side vulnerable. Norway exposed some of that early on in the game but did not have the talent to really exploit it. For this reason I think the door remains somewhat open for Sagna. Why? While his crossing ability drives me crazy...due to his lack of success...I cannot argue that defensively he is a beast. Does DD sacrifice offense to shore up the right side of his defense? But in doing so he makes France even more left leaning. Alternatively he could also instruct the likes of Cabaye to cheat to that side of the pitch, giving more cover for the likes of a Debuchy.
• Can the offense continue to show some bite? France's last few matches have shown some good snap with the offense. Can this continue? Much will depend on how Valbuena runs the creative side of the formation. As well as how the 3 holding midfielders continue to be able to jump up offensively. I also think we will need to see some distance shooting from Cabaye, which would really open up the game - forcing opposing defenses to extent themselves, thereby opening space for Giroud or Benzema. 

 Look for Les Bleus to come out with a similar formation as they had against Norway. One change will be Lloris in goal as the captain. We might see Sagna in place of Debuchy, but not sure. Giroud up front again unless DD wants to get some more time for Remy in that slot. Paraguay should be  slightly tougher opponent than Norway, clearly DD wants to get some run against a South American opponent, no surprise that the three friendlies are against a nation from Europe, South America and CONCACAF. See France's group opponents.

As with the last match, first priority - no injuries (see what happened to Italy yesterday) Second is to continue the good run of form from the last matches. Finally get plenty of players run during the game. As DD did last match, use all of your subs, get as many players some game time as possible.

France draw 0-0 against Paraguay. Yes bland, but I think France come back down to earth and we see classic friendly match between a team that doesn't really want to be there and one working through preparation.

Allez les Bleus