France World cup 2010 Thread. *SPOILERS*

[vaudevillian]

so guys just six days left. What do you think are the chances for France. What tactics/lineups will the employ?
P.s. Any on here have updates about Gallas?

[Round]

Personally, I think France can pass the first round, 4-3 - 3 is perhaps not the best solutions, the attacks in front of goal is unrealistic, we could not see it against China. But maybe that France can surprise us during the world in all cases, this can not be worse than in 2002.

[Slow Graffiti]

The two defensive midfielder setup worked so well in 2006 because Zidane was great, and Makelele and Vieira were great. A great playmaker in front of two of the best enforcers. They just closed down until they could force the ball to Zidane. Obviously it helps that Vieira could run forward too.

This year, there is no Zidane, Thuram, Makelele, or Vieira. We have to play less conservatively - more players on attack, force teams back.

I think we've got to get Diaby back on the bench. Diaby was his usual clumsy, frustrating self - dribbling too long into traffic, spinning around and shoving off a couple of defenders until he's trapped.

It's not that he was terrible, though. It's that he's just not what the team needs. There has to be someone alongside Gourcuff offering similar qualities - attacking threat - so he's not so easily shutout.

The other thing is that Anelka must pass the ball, or sit on the bench. We're not going to get far with him ignoring everyone else.

If it were up to me, Malouda starts in place of Diaby, Gignac starts in place of Govou, Henry starts for Anelka. Apparently Henry will still start on the bench, but I'm still hopeful for the other two swaps.

I actually think a 442 would be a good response...Gignac or Henry up top, Malouda wide left, Gourcuff/Toulalan alone in the middle.

[Whoah10115]

Diaby was fantastic against Uruguay. If half of the other players played half as well as he did France would have won.

[Murkurial]

^

He was good in the first half going forward, but his dribbles between a few Uruguayan players didn't amount to anything. And I feel like Gourcuff could play that Zidane roll (albeit not as well as the man himself...yet) if Anelka isn't on the field ignorning the shit out of him. And the Malouda/Gourcuff w/ the DM behind them seemed to add a new dimension to the team. Hopefully they make that change for the game against Mexico.

I've seen him boss the middle before and for whatever reason he's not doing what he's capable of in this tournament so far.

I'll repeat though, Anelka needs to get the fuck out and he, Ribery, and whoever else was complaining about Govou and Gourcuff (if true) need to get over it and stop fucking up the teams chances by trying their best to not play w/ them during the games.

[Murkurial]

Looks like Gourcuff is out of the team for the match against Mexico:

Gourcuff s'est entrâiné avec les remplaçants (http://www.20minutes.fr/article/578629/Sport-Le-journal-des-Bleus-Gourcuff-victime-des-choix-tactiques-de-Domenech-Ruffier-arrive-demain-en-Afrique-du-Sud-malgre-le-refus-de-la-FIFA.php)

A la veille du match France-Mexique, Raymond Domenech a choisi de faire jouer Malouda et Diaby à gauche, Ribéry dans l'axe et de maintenir Anelka en pointe et Govou à droite. Et comme les Bleus ne vont pas jouer à 12, la victime de ce jeu de chaise musical s'appelle Yoann Gourcuff. Le Breton "mal aimé" n'aurait plus les faveurs du sélectionneur et paie ses performances moyennes lors des derniers matchs. Sera-ce suffisant pour mettre à mal la défense mexicaine?

And a little bit more about this supposed feud (an excerpt):

...But his poor form has persisted and his problems have been compounded by the suspicion that he has become a peripheral member of the France squad, ignored by the team's leaders and senior stars.

In French sport daily L'Equipe on Friday, France captain Patrice Evra confirmed in just a few words that Gourcuff is something of an outcast.

"Yo (Gourcuff), I never hear him," Evra said.

"To speak to Gourcuff, you have to talk to (Jeremy) Toulalan. It's with him that I see him having a laugh."

There is even speculation in the French media that Gourcuff is being ignored by his teammates on the pitch, with Nicolas Anelka and Franck Ribery allegedly guilty of deliberately failing to pass to him against Uruguay.

In training and particularly during warm-ups at France's plush World Cup base, the malaise is noticeable.

Gourcuff often trains alone or goes through his warm-up routine with either his Bordeaux team-mates - Alou Diarra, Cedric Carrasso and Marc Planus - or Toulalan, his only allies in the French set-up.

Is Gourcuff a victim of jealousy provoked by his golden boy status or is he simply too fragile psychologically?

Writing in L'Equipe on Sunday, former France left-back Bixente Lizarazu said Gourcuff was "too self-effacing, too nice and probably too well-brought up".

"Today he needs to start baring his teeth and sharpening his elbows."

Gourcuff's current struggles come as a surprise to Patrick Rampillon, his coach at Rennes during his formative years.

"I'm surprised," Rampillon told AFP. "With the young players, everyone was in agreement about him. There were no flaws in his character and no warning signs. "Looking at the match against Uruguay and saying there was a problem with Gourcuff is a bit strong."

It cannot be denied, however, that Gourcuff seems a shadow of the player he was in 2009. [+] (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Events-Tournaments/FIFA-World-Cup/Top-stories/Yoann-Gourcuff-enigma-clouds-French-camp/articleshow/6048977.cms)

If there is anyone that I can see destroying a team, it's one of Ribery or Anelka. I mean, we'll see what happens but when your players clearly won't pass you the fucking ball, how can you do anything?

[TheLionLyon]

his only allies in the French set-up.

That's the only thing that I dislike about the article and that's the main problem with the team. No cohesion.

The news of Gourcuff being on the bench was determined from the last practice when Domenech placed Malouda instead of Gourcuff in the main 11. Domenech said in a press conference that he is considering re-vamping the attack and he's not letting the media decide the team. I wouldn't be surprised if Gourcuff comes on the bench. He doesn't deserve to, but he (and Valbuena) could be a great second half sub for attacking a tired Mexico defense

EDIT: Also rumors are Domenech is supposed to be switching back to the 4-2-3-1 for the Mexico match. Guess who will be playing in the middle of the 3, which is Gourcuff's position? Yes, Ribery. I guess he wins.

[Murkurial]

Guess who will be playing in the middle of the 3, which is Gourcuff's position? Yes, Ribery. I guess he wins.

Indeed. It's all on him now in my opinion. At least we know that Anelka might pass the ball a little bit now. Unless it's Govou who's open.

I don't get it, Ribery isn't exactly in form for France either, and he's not better in that position than Gourcuff. In fact, he hasn't really done anything this season for either of his teams. And he likes underage prostitutes.

[arxl]

EDIT: Also rumors are Domenech is supposed to be switching back to the 4-2-3-1 for the Mexico match. Guess who will be playing in the middle of the 3, which is Gourcuff's position? Yes, Ribery. I guess he wins.

Infuriating.

And he likes underage prostitutes.

To be fair, not too many underage girls look like...

http://www.wwtdd.com/tag/zahia-dehar/

[fcb_sandy05]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/13/just-fontain-france-anelka-ribery-gourcuff

Fontaine laying in to the French team. This shit is like cricket in the subcontinent.

Gourcuff? He's lost. He is tired following his season, he is less lively and above all, he doesn't know who to give the ball to, since Anelka plays behind him!

Ribéry? One day, we had the stupidity to say that he was the brains of the team and since then he has believed it. He dribbles past seven players but then the eighth one takes the ball off him.

[Murkurial]

To be fair, not too many underage girls look like...

http://www.wwtdd.com/tag/zahia-dehar/

True, he's still a cunt though.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/13/just-fontain-france-anelka-ribery-gourcuff

Fontaine laying in to the French team. This shit is like cricket in the subcontinent.

Can't wait for Blanc to come in and regulate.

[Round]

Diaby has made much in the game against Uruguay, I hope it will hold tonight against Mexico, which will certainly play a very aggressive style. This match is crucial for the team to France to continue the competition in the best conditions.

[talk2smc]

well glad to see his terrible reign come to an end. i know Italy and France have a rivalry for generations...but damn. Domenech successfully fucked up Nasri, Ribery, Gourcuff, Mexes, Benzema's NT careers, im sure im missing many too...

hopefully Blanc can get them back to playing like 98/00 years, and then Italy can beat proper opponents again;)

[Murkurial]

Ben Arfa perhaps. And Cissokho.

Blanc to come in and crack some skulls.

[TheLionLyon]

Blanc will definitely start from scratch. We are in a relatively no-threathening group for EURO 2012, so he will be given time to create a well-balanced team.

Here's hoping Cissokho, Gameiro, Sakho, Sissoko, Capoue, M'Vila, Cheyrou, Tremoulinas, Mathieu, Rami, and all the other plays that deserved a chance during Domenech's reign get a chance.

[Whoah10115]

FFF thumbs up!

[diecast]

Cisse, probably the most in form player in the entire squad sat on the bench for both games.

Domenech is out, he did nothing as a coach but make the wrong decision in every match during his career.

[Murkurial]

Blanc will definitely start from scratch. We are in a relatively no-threathening group for EURO 2012, so he will be given time to create a well-balanced team.

Here's hoping Cissokho, Gameiro, Sakho, Sissoko, Capoue, M'Vila, Cheyrou, Tremoulinas, Mathieu, Rami, and all the other plays that deserved a chance during Domenech's reign get a chance.

Who do you see making the biggest case for a starting LB spot out of Cissokho and Tremou?

[TheLionLyon]

Who do you see making the biggest case for a starting LB spot out of Cissokho and Tremou?

It will be a toss-up. Blanc won't go straight to Benoit because he might be accused of favoritism. I know one thing's for sure, Evra will not be guaranteed first-choice. Don't forget Clichy, Mathieu, and Sakho (he plays centre back, but can play left back) also. Nobody in the squad will be safe. Only Lloris barring a long-term injury, which I hope won't happen.

[talk2smc]

It will be a toss-up. Blanc won't go straight to Benoit because he might be accused of favoritism. I know one thing's for sure, Evra will not be guaranteed first-choice. Don't forget Clichy, Mathieu, and Sakho (he plays centre back, but can play left back) also. Nobody in the squad will be safe. Only Lloris barring a long-term injury, which I hope won't happen.

i think youre right, and i think its probably best for the FFF. Blanc should come in and just clean house. everyone on the chopping block. also, wait to see what players may or may not retire post WC- Gallas, Henry? et al. France a bit like Italy soon- next Euro in 2012, alot of players going to be over 30/32 IF Blanc chooses the old guard. but im sure he will bring in youth and integrate them into the squad.

itll shake up the old Dom favorites, but also show the younger ignored players that Blanc is open to them in the team.

big fan of Sahko btw too. :) and get back Mexes in the squad!

[TheLionLyon]

i think youre right, and i think its probably best for the FFF. Blanc should come in and just clean house. everyone on the chopping block. also, wait to see what players may or may not retire post WC- Gallas, Henry? et al. France a bit like Italy soon- next Euro in 2012, alot of players going to be over 30/32 IF Blanc chooses the old guard. but im sure he will bring in youth and integrate them into the squad.

itll shake up the old Dom favorites, but also show the younger ignored players that Blanc is open to them in the team.

big fan of Sahko btw too. :) and get back Mexes in the squad!

No, Blanc is a member of France 98, which consists of Deschamps, Zidane, Petit........basically the popular players on the 98 winning team. Seeing as how they are the only one to ever win the World Cup, they are extremely critical of l'EDF. They practically know the insides and out of the team and Blanc probably knows who the troublemakers are. I think after the World Cup, he will have long talks with Gallas, Anelka, Ribery, Malouda, Abidal, Evra, and a few others to explain to them that just because you have seniority, you are not the leaders of the team and will not be guaranteed a place.

I would love for him to tell Ribery that before the 2006 World Cup, nobody knew who you were. There are so many players in France that can be a Ribery. There's a huge amount of talent Blanc will have at his arsenal. Domenech had the same, but didn't use it. Blanc will. He's a tactical genius. He plays to his opponent. One match, he'll come out with a 4-3-3, next match a 4-4-1-1, next match, a 4-2-3-1. He's extremely versatile.

[LilleOSC]

well glad to see his terrible reign come to an end. i know Italy and France have a rivalry for generations...but damn. Domenech successfully fucked up Nasri, Ribery, Gourcuff, Mexes, Benzema's NT careers, im sure im missing many too...

I wish Domenech played Trezeguet more in WC2006.

[talk2smc]

I wish Domenech played Trezeguet more in WC2006.

:D:D:D

i dont. besides the fact i hate him, he can have his golden goal in 2000, got ours in 06. ;)

[vaudevillian]

It is amazing a player like nasri is not in 23. Also, you bench Gourcuff, one of the best AM in the world because anelka is a bitch. Fuck that.

Now, Hopefully Blanc can turn this team into a great one.

P.S. Abidal is the cb when france can play Mexes lol again at Domenech.

[reelone]

It's better they get embarrased this time, They will come back stronger with many new players and Blanc will have a team that actually plays as a team not as individuals for euro2012.

[talk2smc]

Evra. :rolleyes: how people support him i dont know.

i know Nic is a jerk as well. but he won me over with his team play at CFC. never heard of anyone having any problems with him at CFC or his actions. Evra on the other hand...well.


everything just falling apart it seems. shame

[Round]

Laurent Blanc will be a lot of work to rebuild the team from France, but I think it can really build something solid for Euro 2012 even though it will not be easy.

[vaudevillian]

Thruam says "Ban Evra" . I support this. That guy is a cancer in the team.

[TheLionLyon]

Thruam says "Ban Evra" . I support this. That guy is a cancer in the team.

He doesn't have to be ban. Four names. Clichy, Mathieu, Cissokho, and Tremoulinas = Evra who?

[Lady Arsenal]

Evra is not actually very good at football. He is basically a great athlete - strong and fast. Ferguson uses him because he adds pace to attacks with his overlapping runs, and he is a pretty solid defender. But when it comes to first touch, passing etc he is laughable. Liza would be turning in his football grave.

[Round]

I think Evra ruled out of the France team is not the best thing, because it is a competitor of the highest level and I think that Laurent Blanc knows that. Serte, it may not select Evra all at once, but I think he can made a lot of production sports team.

[vaudevillian]

He doesn't have to be ban. Four names. Clichy, Mathieu, Cissokho, and Tremoulinas = Evra who?
Thats good too,I just dont wanna see him near the team anymore.
Who do you guys think should be captain?

[Neillomac]

Evra. :rolleyes: how people support him i dont know.

i know Nic is a jerk as well. but he won me over with his team play at CFC. never heard of anyone having any problems with him at CFC or his actions. Evra on the other hand...well.


everything just falling apart it seems. shame

Yet you support the mighty J.T the role model for all.

And you try and diss Evra but yet stick up for "Le Sulk" :o


Originally posted by Lady Arsenal

Evra is not actually very good at football. He is basically a great athlete - strong and fast. Ferguson uses him because he adds pace to attacks with his overlapping runs, and he is a pretty solid defender. But when it comes to first touch, passing etc he is laughable. Liza would be turning in his football grave.

What? Evra isn't very good at football? Aye your spot on about Fergie too, thats exactly why he uses him...

That pic of Fabregas in your avatar is one of the gayest pictures I have ever seen.

Also I like Blanc hope he does well.

[Lady Arsenal]

What? Evra isn't very good at football? Aye your spot on about Fergie too, thats exactly why he uses him...

That pic of Fabregas in your avatar is one of the gayest pictures I have ever seen.

Also I like Blanc hope he does well.

Evra's first touch is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. Uglier than Cesc's mullet which he brought over with him from the 3rd world when he joined. Uglier even than Luke Chadwick.