- Scotland v Italy: When the groups came out, who would have looked at this match as pivotal match up? After a roaring start, included a 1-0 defeat of France, Scotland came back down to earth a bit after a lose to the Ukraine. They also found a way to snatch a victory in the last minutes versus a weak Georgia team this past weekend. But this game is crucial for both sides, playing in Bari, Italy must expect to get the full complement of points...but it thought it would do the same when they hosted Lithuania only to find themselves drawn 1-1. An Italian win will bring the Azurri to within 2 points of the three leaders - Ukraine, France and Scotland. For Scotland it would not be the end of the world, even though they would lose a game (Scotland would be at 12 points from 6 games while the others would be on 5 games). An Azurri loss would de devasting for the World Champs, they cannot afford to drop any more points at home. A tie would not be ideal but not earth shattering for either nation (although more positive for the Scots). I think Italy is still trying to figure itself out post world cup, and Scotland will load up the midfield frustrating the Italians - Prediction 0-0 draw.
- England v Andorra: Why do I mention this game? A game that England should win convincingly? Mainly due to the massive turmoil within the England camp. There is no doubt in my mind that England will win this match, the question will it be 1-0 or 5-0? I think that will determine the level of malaise that follows Steve McClaren and his england squad back to SOHO square - Prediction 4-1 to England, the one conceded goal is the lead story on the Mirror and all the english tabloids.
- Northern Ireland v Sweden: See Scotland - Italy, who would have thought this game would be a battle of top of table squads for this group? After the shock 3-2 defeat of Spain, Northern Ireland started believing that it could qualify for a major football final for the first time since 1982. Playing the undefeated Sweden will prove another stern test. If the Northern Irish can someone find a way to earn a draw they will be very positive on their potential qualifications....but I think Sweden is too strong - Prediction 2-0 victory for Sweden.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Euro qualifiers
With Les Bleus idle with regards to Euro qualifying here are some intriguing match ups I will be keeping an eye on -
Les Bleus line up the youth
According to L'Equipe, Domenech is lining up the youth for the friendly against Austria -
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/HOME_EDF.html
Les Bleus will line up in a 4-3-1-2 with two strikers supported by the offensive midfielder Nasri.
Coupet - Clerc, Mexes, Thuram, Escude - Diarra, Mavuba, Diaby - Nasri - Cisse, Anelka
I am happy to see that Domenech has lined up the youth for this game. I have read a few articles stating that France needs to win to validate their small 1-0 victory over Lithuania, I saw hogwash. France needs to keep their eyes on the prize - finish 1st or 2nd in the Group to qualify for the Euro, not worry about winning a friendly. This game is very valuable from the perspective that the youngsters need to get some run together on the pitch.
There is one surprise for me, and that is Thuram getting the start. Why not have Squillaci in the middle of the pitch? Maybe Domenech wants some veteran leadership to anchor a very young and experimental back 4.
I will be very interested to see how the three holding midfielders do. This will be the second cap for Diaby and Diarra, Mavuba will be back in the fold after a false start a few years ago. Unlike the three holding midfielders against Lithuania, there is more offensive punch here in Diaby. Not only does he physically resemble Patrick Vieira but his game is a poor man's version,
where he really bridges the defense to the offense. Something that is not the strength of Makelele, Toulalan and at this moment Diarra. Mavuba will play more of the Makelele role, camping out in front of the back 4. Diarra will be the one tasked with destroying any offensive build up around the midfield line and Diaby will be looked to for counter attacks and getting the ball to the strikers. Throw in Toulalan and you are looking at the future of the holding/defensive midfield for Les Bleus for the future. Assuming that these players all develop to some level of the potential they all appear to have, this could prove to be another strong midfield for the French national team - following on the strong midfield that won the World Cup '98 and Euro '00 - that was anchored by players such as Deschamps, Vieira, Karembeau, Petit or the Euro '84 Champion - that team had the Carre Magique - Tigana, Fernandez, Giresse, Platini (I am convinced that if that squad had 1 world class striker they would have won the world cup in either '82 or '86....)
The big question for this midfield is who will fill the play maker role that was handled by Platini and Zidane.....a bit of a lofty status to live up to.....if
the hype is to be believed Nasri might be the heir apparent for the offensive midfielder that makes the team world class. The match against Austria will be the first test for the young Marseilles player. While I think that much of the hype is generated because of his pedigree - Marseille born midfielder of Algerian origin....hmmmm sound familiar?
Before we look to the young talent to become the next Zidane, we need to temper our expectations. Players like Platini and Zidane are arguably top 20 players of all time, maybe even top 10 (I would rank Pele, Maradonna, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Puskas, Platini, Yachin, Eusebio, Best, and Zidane in my top 10 - with Mueller, di Stefano, and Maldini close behind) So we should not place such a burden of expectation on the slender shoulders of the youngster. However I think the role of creative midfielder could be assumed by other players - Ribery and Gourcuff - coming to mind. All three have the ability and vision to distribute the ball, I would argue that Ribery looked to pass too much in the World Cup and was not selfish enough at times! Between Nasri, Ribery and Gourcuff I hope that one emerges to take ownership of the #10 strip for Les Bleus.
Up front, you have a newer strike pair - Anelka and Cisse - made up of veteran strikers. If they can click it will give Domenech the necessary options and alternatives up front to the Henry - Saha/Trezeguet pairing.
This game will be very interesting from the perspective of seeing how the midfield clicks, how Anelka and Cisse work together. I am not looking for too much from the back 4. Escude is being played out of position (maybe Domenech should have called up Clichy....given him his first A cap as well....would have rather seen Clerc, Mexes, Squillaci, Clichy), Mexes will most likely pair up with Gallas in the future, and I still do not understand what has happened to Chimbonda (he should be there rather than Clerc)
Predictions -
France 3 - Austria 2 a good ole fashion 5 goal affair.
Anelka 2
Cisse 1
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/HOME_EDF.html
Les Bleus will line up in a 4-3-1-2 with two strikers supported by the offensive midfielder Nasri.
Coupet - Clerc, Mexes, Thuram, Escude - Diarra, Mavuba, Diaby - Nasri - Cisse, Anelka
I am happy to see that Domenech has lined up the youth for this game. I have read a few articles stating that France needs to win to validate their small 1-0 victory over Lithuania, I saw hogwash. France needs to keep their eyes on the prize - finish 1st or 2nd in the Group to qualify for the Euro, not worry about winning a friendly. This game is very valuable from the perspective that the youngsters need to get some run together on the pitch.
There is one surprise for me, and that is Thuram getting the start. Why not have Squillaci in the middle of the pitch? Maybe Domenech wants some veteran leadership to anchor a very young and experimental back 4.
I will be very interested to see how the three holding midfielders do. This will be the second cap for Diaby and Diarra, Mavuba will be back in the fold after a false start a few years ago. Unlike the three holding midfielders against Lithuania, there is more offensive punch here in Diaby. Not only does he physically resemble Patrick Vieira but his game is a poor man's version,
where he really bridges the defense to the offense. Something that is not the strength of Makelele, Toulalan and at this moment Diarra. Mavuba will play more of the Makelele role, camping out in front of the back 4. Diarra will be the one tasked with destroying any offensive build up around the midfield line and Diaby will be looked to for counter attacks and getting the ball to the strikers. Throw in Toulalan and you are looking at the future of the holding/defensive midfield for Les Bleus for the future. Assuming that these players all develop to some level of the potential they all appear to have, this could prove to be another strong midfield for the French national team - following on the strong midfield that won the World Cup '98 and Euro '00 - that was anchored by players such as Deschamps, Vieira, Karembeau, Petit or the Euro '84 Champion - that team had the Carre Magique - Tigana, Fernandez, Giresse, Platini (I am convinced that if that squad had 1 world class striker they would have won the world cup in either '82 or '86....)The big question for this midfield is who will fill the play maker role that was handled by Platini and Zidane.....a bit of a lofty status to live up to.....if
the hype is to be believed Nasri might be the heir apparent for the offensive midfielder that makes the team world class. The match against Austria will be the first test for the young Marseilles player. While I think that much of the hype is generated because of his pedigree - Marseille born midfielder of Algerian origin....hmmmm sound familiar?Before we look to the young talent to become the next Zidane, we need to temper our expectations. Players like Platini and Zidane are arguably top 20 players of all time, maybe even top 10 (I would rank Pele, Maradonna, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Puskas, Platini, Yachin, Eusebio, Best, and Zidane in my top 10 - with Mueller, di Stefano, and Maldini close behind) So we should not place such a burden of expectation on the slender shoulders of the youngster. However I think the role of creative midfielder could be assumed by other players - Ribery and Gourcuff - coming to mind. All three have the ability and vision to distribute the ball, I would argue that Ribery looked to pass too much in the World Cup and was not selfish enough at times! Between Nasri, Ribery and Gourcuff I hope that one emerges to take ownership of the #10 strip for Les Bleus.
Up front, you have a newer strike pair - Anelka and Cisse - made up of veteran strikers. If they can click it will give Domenech the necessary options and alternatives up front to the Henry - Saha/Trezeguet pairing.
This game will be very interesting from the perspective of seeing how the midfield clicks, how Anelka and Cisse work together. I am not looking for too much from the back 4. Escude is being played out of position (maybe Domenech should have called up Clichy....given him his first A cap as well....would have rather seen Clerc, Mexes, Squillaci, Clichy), Mexes will most likely pair up with Gallas in the future, and I still do not understand what has happened to Chimbonda (he should be there rather than Clerc)
Predictions -
France 3 - Austria 2 a good ole fashion 5 goal affair.
Anelka 2
Cisse 1
Saturday, March 24, 2007
La Petite Victoire
Phewww, that was not pretty. France leave the Baltics exhaling a bit easier after an ugly 1-0 victory on an individual action from Anelka. Many of our fears came true the first 45 minutes -
a goat ranch of a pitch, a Lithuania team packing the back, no French linking midfield, poor defending on dead balls, and a very isolated French striker. The essential was accomplished, France keep pace with Scotland and gain the full 3 points from this trap game. My thought:
The Good:
Here is the line up I would throw out there -
Landreau - Sagnol, Mexes, Gallas, Abidal - Diarra, Toulalan - Diaby, Nasri - Cisse, Anelka
These are the players that will play a role in the Euro 2008, and more importantly World Cup qualifying for 2010, get them out there!
a goat ranch of a pitch, a Lithuania team packing the back, no French linking midfield, poor defending on dead balls, and a very isolated French striker. The essential was accomplished, France keep pace with Scotland and gain the full 3 points from this trap game. My thought:
The Good:
- Anelka demonstrated his quality as a lone striker. He was
able to take on defenders, make deep runs, flick on, and overall pressure the defenders. Without much support, his efforts at times were for naught. The goal was an absolute pure striker goal: he kept off three defenders as he cut dangerously across the face of the 18 yard box, he unleashed a powerful shot, which became a volley due to the divots in the pitch. But it was really the only way I think the French could score without any of their creative midfielders. Anelka's talent have never been in question, sometimes I wonder how things might have been had his attitude been more in line with his ability. However, I think as long as he keeps his head on straight he will be a valuable asset for Les Bleus, and hopefully a major force at Euro 2008. - Diarra, the mini Makelele grew stronger as the match wore on. He did attempt some rather audacious shots from far out, maybe trying a little to hard. But overall I felt he demonstrated his worth, granted against one of the third tier soccer nations. I think his partnering with Toulalan bodes well for the future of the holding responsibilities for the French national team.
- The Lithuanians - Much credit needs to be given to the Baltic team. They played hard and tactically very intelligently the entire match. They may have deserved a draw, with a very dangerous attempt end of the first half that only the emergency slide tackle from Sagnol saving a possible French embarrassment. They were dangerous on every dead ball situation, and their long throw ins were a major threat the entire match.
- Domenech's Tactics: As I had written in the run up to the game, I was very concerned about the defensive posture Domenech had decided to line up for the match. With three holding midfielders it was going to be very difficult for the strickers to gain the support needed. Emmanuel Petit and Didier Roustan were both commenting on this line up on the TV5 broadcast, they mentioned the fact that in 1998 Jacquet had a similar line up - Deschamps, Petit and Karembeau in the midfield, all three holding midfielders. The differences are they had been playing that style for a few years, they were more experienced players (Diara with his first cap, Toulalan his second!), the defense was more experienced in this style, and finally they had one Zidane at the peak of his ability pulling the strings....the current team does not have the offensive talent to go with such a format. I think the French manager was more nervous about losing 1-0 than he was interested in winning. Now I cannot criticise the result, but I can call into question the philosophy.
- Govou: I have never been a huge fan of the Lyon winger. He shows some flashes, but he is not a consistent enough goal scorer to be given the role of primary attacker. His recent form with Lyon also points to a player "searching" for his game. The switch with Cisse gave the French a much more fluid and dangerous play, it allowed Anelka to drop back a bit and force the defense to open up a bit more with the fear of Cisse's pace, something Govou cannot offer.
- The Pitch: Like Roustan said, it was a Potatoe Farm. It is always difficult for smaller Associations to maintain high level pitches, especially where the weather is not ideal. But it also is in the best interest of the Lithuanias to maintain such a slow and irregular pitch.
- Get Mexes and Gallas on the pitch together, Thuram is not going to play forever (and he did play well against Lithuania). Mexes, and Escude, appear to be the future central pairing for Les Bleus.
- Sit Makelele and play Diarra and Toulalan again together.
- Get Nasri in there to see what he can do.
- Play Diaby with Nasri, could be an interesting pairing for the future
- Pair up Cisse and Anelka
Here is the line up I would throw out there -Landreau - Sagnol, Mexes, Gallas, Abidal - Diarra, Toulalan - Diaby, Nasri - Cisse, Anelka
These are the players that will play a role in the Euro 2008, and more importantly World Cup qualifying for 2010, get them out there!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Les Bleus evolve in a 4-3-3
Domenech has announced his starting team, one minor surprise: Diarra is going to receive his first cap, starting alongside his Chelsea teammate Makelele.
Coupet - Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal - Makelele, Toulalan, L. Diarra - Govou, Malouda, Anelka.
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20070323_192558Dev.html
With three recovering midfielders, the French should not have any problems defending, but attacking it might be another story. The attack down the flanks might come more from Abidal and Sagnol rather than the midfielders. This line up is a very safe course of action, I think that Govou, Malouda and Anelka all have the pace to break down the Lithuania squad, but I fear the Baltic nation will pack in their penalty box and look to break. Breaking out will not be easy with the defensive curtains Les Blues can throw up, but scoring for the French might not be easy either.
I think Domenech envisages being able to get the important goal and then hold off any potential attacks, and if he needs more offense he can take off one of his midfielders and throw on Cisse, play Malouda and Govou wide and allow Cisse and Anelka to play at the point.
The positive is we will see the future of the midfield for France - Diarra making his first start and Toulalan making his second....
Coupet - Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal - Makelele, Toulalan, L. Diarra - Govou, Malouda, Anelka.
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20070323_192558Dev.html
With three recovering midfielders, the French should not have any problems defending, but attacking it might be another story. The attack down the flanks might come more from Abidal and Sagnol rather than the midfielders. This line up is a very safe course of action, I think that Govou, Malouda and Anelka all have the pace to break down the Lithuania squad, but I fear the Baltic nation will pack in their penalty box and look to break. Breaking out will not be easy with the defensive curtains Les Blues can throw up, but scoring for the French might not be easy either.
I think Domenech envisages being able to get the important goal and then hold off any potential attacks, and if he needs more offense he can take off one of his midfielders and throw on Cisse, play Malouda and Govou wide and allow Cisse and Anelka to play at the point.
The positive is we will see the future of the midfield for France - Diarra making his first start and Toulalan making his second....
Wenger adds another Frenchie
Arsenal will sign teenage French striker Gilles Sunu in July for between £700,000 and £1m on a four-year deal from Chateauroux. (Daily Telegraph)
This rumor had been kicking around for a while, the teenage striker from France will be added to the roster of youth Wenger has collected. Could we see a Walcott - Sunu strike force in northern London in a few years?
From what little information I have gathered on the youngster, he is seen as a big time prospect for both country and club. His father was an international for Togo.
Once again Arsene poaches the talented youth from his home land.
Maybe Domenech will select the youngster.....just to see what the Professor says....
This rumor had been kicking around for a while, the teenage striker from France will be added to the roster of youth Wenger has collected. Could we see a Walcott - Sunu strike force in northern London in a few years?
From what little information I have gathered on the youngster, he is seen as a big time prospect for both country and club. His father was an international for Togo.
Once again Arsene poaches the talented youth from his home land.
Maybe Domenech will select the youngster.....just to see what the Professor says....
Thursday, March 22, 2007
France - Lithuania....trap game
This weekend Les Bleus travel to Lithuania for their Euro 2008 qualifier. This is a big time trap game for the World Cup runner ups. A couple of reasons why:- The game is on the road, and even though Frane is "ranked" 4th and Lithuania 76th in the FIFA world rankings (any reader of this blog realizes how much weight I put into that 'ranking') world football has become so competitive that any road game is a challenge.
- Lithuania is no push over, any time that over looks such a nation might get surprised. Which is exactly what happened to Italy who dropped 2 points by only drawing with Lithuania in the first round match in Naples! I think the Italians, coming off their World Cup high, and probably looking forward to the France match rather than focusing on their opponents of the day were surprised (the Italians had to come back from a 1-0 deficit to earn the draw!)
- France is hurt by injuries. It has been widely discussed that Saha, Henry, and Vieira are injured and Trezeguet has not been selected. Without the last three you are losing mountains of experience, and 3 of the active World Cup and European Cup champions. How will the youth, if thrown into the deep end of the pool, do?
Les Bleus will need a positive result, with Scotland hosting Georgia (assume 3 points for the Scots, but another trap game with an Italy - Scotland game looming next week) and Ukraine playing the Faroe Islands, guaranteed 3 points, France will need to win to keep pace. This group was seen as a difficult group when it was drawn mainly due to the presence of Italy, France and Ukraine...but with the play of Scotland it has made a difficult group that much more challenging for all the favorites.
Allez les bleus! 3 points are needed!!! Otherwise the pressure will only get greater!
Prediction - France 2 Lithuania 0
Goals from Anelka and Gallas.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Who to play for Les Bleus this weekend?
http://www.football.fr/fr/footballfr/cmc/equipe_de_france/200712/quelle-attaque-pour-les-bleus-_19361.html
Interesting article calling into question what starting line up Domenech will put on the pitch against Lithuania this weekend. Not selecting Trezeguet has left Domenech with few experienced options to start up front for Les Bleus. It appears that Anelka will be the #1 striker with Cisse as #2....but will he go with two strikers or one striker and 3 midfielders. Opting for the latter will give him another problem - who to play the role of Ribery? Gouvou and Malouda are certain to start, but who will be the third attacking midfielder? Nasri...at 19 that is a lot to ask. Wiltord, maybe, he has the experience but is getting long in the tooth and not sure I want to see him middle of the pitch for 90 minutes.
Domenech should go with experience first - play Anelka and Cisse together. I know Cisse has been struggling lately with Marseilles, but he is experienced and I think his pace will give Lithuania a world of problems allowing Anelka to become that much more dangerous. Play Malouda and Govou on the wings, with Makelele and Toulalan in support. The back line will be experienced and solid - Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Abidal. If you want to get some of the younger players some time, bring them in the last 20 minutes. If Les Bleus can get a lead on the Lithuanias, maybe look to bring in Nasri and Benzema for Anelka and Cisse, go to a 3 attacking midfield, one striker to protect the lead and get the youth some run....but one thing is for sure, Domenech will do something that makes folks scratch their heads. As long as we come back to Paris with 3 points.....that is the essential.
Interesting article calling into question what starting line up Domenech will put on the pitch against Lithuania this weekend. Not selecting Trezeguet has left Domenech with few experienced options to start up front for Les Bleus. It appears that Anelka will be the #1 striker with Cisse as #2....but will he go with two strikers or one striker and 3 midfielders. Opting for the latter will give him another problem - who to play the role of Ribery? Gouvou and Malouda are certain to start, but who will be the third attacking midfielder? Nasri...at 19 that is a lot to ask. Wiltord, maybe, he has the experience but is getting long in the tooth and not sure I want to see him middle of the pitch for 90 minutes.
Domenech should go with experience first - play Anelka and Cisse together. I know Cisse has been struggling lately with Marseilles, but he is experienced and I think his pace will give Lithuania a world of problems allowing Anelka to become that much more dangerous. Play Malouda and Govou on the wings, with Makelele and Toulalan in support. The back line will be experienced and solid - Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Abidal. If you want to get some of the younger players some time, bring them in the last 20 minutes. If Les Bleus can get a lead on the Lithuanias, maybe look to bring in Nasri and Benzema for Anelka and Cisse, go to a 3 attacking midfield, one striker to protect the lead and get the youth some run....but one thing is for sure, Domenech will do something that makes folks scratch their heads. As long as we come back to Paris with 3 points.....that is the essential.
Who to play for Les Bleus this weekend?
http://www.football.fr/fr/footballfr/cmc/equipe_de_france/200712/quelle-attaque-pour-les-bleus-_19361.html
Interesting article calling into question what starting line up Domenech will put on the pitch against Lithuania this weekend. Not selecting Trezeguet has left Domenech with few experienced options to start up front for Les Bleus. It appears that Anelka will be the #1 striker with Cisse as #2....but will he go with two strikers or one striker and 3 midfielders. Opting for the latter will give him another problem - who to play the role of Ribery? Gouvou and Malouda are certain to start, but who will be the third attacking midfielder? Nasri...at 19 that is a lot to ask. Wiltord, maybe, he has the experience but is getting long in the tooth and not sure I want to see him middle of the pitch for 90 minutes.
Domenech should go with experience first - play Anelka and Cisse together. I know Cisse has been struggling lately with Marseilles, but he is experienced and I think his pace will give Lithuania a world of problems allowing Anelka to become that much more dangerous. Play Malouda and Govou on the wings, with Makelele and Toulalan in support. The back line will be experienced and solid - Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Abidal. If you want to get some of the younger players some time, bring them in the last 20 minutes. If Les Bleus can get a lead on the Lithuanias, maybe look to bring in Nasri and Benzema for Anelka and Cisse, go to a 3 attacking midfield, one striker to protect the lead and get the youth some run....but one thing is for sure, Domenech will do something that makes folks scratch their heads. As long as we come back to Paris with 3 points.....that is the essential.
Interesting article calling into question what starting line up Domenech will put on the pitch against Lithuania this weekend. Not selecting Trezeguet has left Domenech with few experienced options to start up front for Les Bleus. It appears that Anelka will be the #1 striker with Cisse as #2....but will he go with two strikers or one striker and 3 midfielders. Opting for the latter will give him another problem - who to play the role of Ribery? Gouvou and Malouda are certain to start, but who will be the third attacking midfielder? Nasri...at 19 that is a lot to ask. Wiltord, maybe, he has the experience but is getting long in the tooth and not sure I want to see him middle of the pitch for 90 minutes.
Domenech should go with experience first - play Anelka and Cisse together. I know Cisse has been struggling lately with Marseilles, but he is experienced and I think his pace will give Lithuania a world of problems allowing Anelka to become that much more dangerous. Play Malouda and Govou on the wings, with Makelele and Toulalan in support. The back line will be experienced and solid - Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Abidal. If you want to get some of the younger players some time, bring them in the last 20 minutes. If Les Bleus can get a lead on the Lithuanias, maybe look to bring in Nasri and Benzema for Anelka and Cisse, go to a 3 attacking midfield, one striker to protect the lead and get the youth some run....but one thing is for sure, Domenech will do something that makes folks scratch their heads. As long as we come back to Paris with 3 points.....that is the essential.
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