France National Team - March Euro 2008 Qualifying *Spoilers*

[Slow Graffiti]

France will be fielding a different team this time around. Henry, Trezeguet, Vieira, and Ribery are out. Flamini probably would've been called up again, but he's out as well. I guess Thuram will be captain. If not, Makelele.

Diaby (Arsenal) and Diarra (Chelsea) have been called up - from what I've seen of him, I hope Diarra doesn't get on the pitch. ;)

I reckon it will be Toulalan or Mavuba in the middle with Makelele. Malouda left, Wiltord or Govou right; Wiltord or Govou with Cisse upfront in his first match since the leg break pre-World Cup. Or Anelka...rather not though!

Still have the top defense in place - Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, Sagnol. Clerc and Escude the likely subs.

I've not seen Lithuania play, but I don't think they'll be a threat given that they only scored once against the Faroe Islands. No idea about Austria.

Hope Scotland and Italy draw. A loss to Georgia would help as well.

[Butterfly]

With all the injuries, that shitty game became interesting cause Anelka will start the game and many young players could too!
Nasri will definitely be on the pitch at one moment or an other and this my friends will be the beginning of a new era for France :) This could be the same about Benzema. Two wonderkids!!! :cool:

For me France should start with :

Anelka
Malouda ---- Nasri ----- Wiltord
Makélélé -- Toulalan
Abidal - Gallas - Thuram (or Mexes) - Sagnol

however we could start like that :

Piquionne
Anelka
Malouda ------------------- Wiltord
Makélélé -- Toulalan
Abidal - Gallas - Thuram (or Mexes) - Sagnol

[Montie]

Je suis déçu de ne pas voir nasri titulaire, même si il fallait s'en douter.
Sinon Toulalan aligné dès le début du match, j'arriverais jamais à m'y faire.

[Bastien947]

Ho no... Not Piquionne...

[Butterfly]

Je suis déçu de ne pas voir nasri titulaire, même si il fallait s'en douter.
Sinon Toulalan aligné dès le début du match, j'arriverais jamais à m'y faire.

Indeed, it looks like Domenech is a pussy :p Just hope Nasri and (or) Benzema will be on the picth during the 2nd half...

It seems France will start like this :

Anelka
Malouda-------------Govou
Toulalan
Makélélé---Diarra
Abidal--Gallas--Thuram--Sagnol
La Blonde

:(

[funkdoctorspock]

Butterfly, I like your lineup better... ;)

Very interested to see Anelka does... the lineup is quite conservative, but should get the job done...

the back 4 looks solid. Thuram I read was trying to talking himself out of playing for the NT. He was saying that Mexes was a tremendous talent and should be given a chance to shine. Can someone enlighten me as to why the older statesman don't want to play anymore? Are they being forced to?

[Butterfly]

I guess Tutu doesn't feel great at the moment because he's not playing as much as he would like at Barcelone... However for me Tutu is always playing very well and Domenech has faith in him (he should be the captain tonight).
About Mexes, since he played at Auxerre we all thought he could be a great player and I guess that's what is happening now that he's at AS Roma.

ALLEZ LES BLEUS :)

[Slow Graffiti]

Right, Thuram said what he said about not playing because of his lack of action at Barcelona...said that he warned Domenech that he might have to relinquish his spot because he's not getting enough playing time at Barcelona to stay match fit at his age.

I've been impressed with Toulalan, seems he'll be the Makelele replacement when he bows out with the Euro. How long do you reckon Vieira will continue? WC 2010?

btw, I hope Domenech will let Wiltord at least reach 100 caps.

[Nelly]

I though France were quite poor today.It was a difficult pitch but the French were really looking slow and uninterested.They never looked like losing the game but didn't give me any great confidence that they would win before the goal.I hope they continue to play like this.;)

[Butterfly]

Indeed France played like crap and Anelka saved the game for us...!
However France played that way cause Domenech wanted to played with three defensive midfielders... We had also some injuries and the wonderkids were not on the picth tonight. :mad: We'll see them against Austria for the friendly...

[Allez.les.bleus]

Indeed France played like crap and Anelka saved the game for us...!
However France played that way cause Domenech wanted to played with three defensive midfielders... We had also some injuries and the wonderkids were not on the picth tonight. :mad: We'll see them against Austria for the friendly...

well said!

we got the 3 points, that is all that was needed, I'm glad Scotland won... that puts us BOTH 7 points ahead of Italy (but they have a game in hand)

I am looking forward to a much more open game on wed. at the SDF with Nasri and Mexes playing!

Glad Diaby got a start, but we didn't get to see much of him!

[Slow Graffiti]

Too late now, but I had started this thread as a pre-match discussion, i.e. not in the in-game/post-match forum and no "*Spoiler*" in the title, as I won't see the game until it's put up.

[Butterfly]

Sorry SG, I was looking at this thread as a spoiler one :(

[cavenaghi]

Too late now, but I had started this thread as a pre-match discussion, i.e. not in the in-game/post-match forum and no "*Spoiler*" in the title, as I won't see the game until it's put up.
Pre-match! Then why do you come back in this thread when you know that the game is over? :confused: :p
About Thuram he said that few months ago. His situation with Barça isn't the same anymore.
Now, about the game. France delivered the same shitty performance they usually give against "little" teams. At least they won this one.
This team has two problems:
- the lack of creativity (Ribéry isn't available atm and Domenech doesn't have the courage to give the keys to a young guy like Nasri)
- the lack of motivation (some players were sleeping on the pitch tonight, same thing against Argentina few weeks ago)

So they're just like they always are before a big competition: pathetic!
And when the competition begins they come back to their best level. But only if they face a big opponent. Otherwise it will be the same old shit (remember Swiss, Korea, Greece, Senegal, Uruguay, Danemark...). They just need someone else to take the control of the game. And that's how they reached the WC Finale. They have no style and they only base their football on their physical advantage. But what can you say, they were in the finale...

[Slow Graffiti]

Because I was still discussing the lineup and the future at 5:30 pm EST today (after the game would've been over) as that was the way the conversation was going.

Butterfly, did you cap?

[cavenaghi]

Because I was still discussing the lineup and the future at 5:30 pm EST today (after the game would've been over) as that was the way the conversation was going.
I can't see how we could continue the conversation without mentionning the result of the game? :confused: You make a thread about the french team and the result should remain ignored?
But you are lucky cause you know now that you should stay away from this game.
Butterfly, did you cap?
Or... maybe we weren't clear enough :confused:
DON'T WATCH THAT GAME! :D

[Slow Graffiti]

I didn't read the posts except for the beginning of the one that said France didn't play so well. You mean the conversation about the lineup and the future? It's nothing to do with the result of the game. In/post game threads are in that forum, and the rule is threads with spoilers state so in the title. Nothing vague about that. :)

[cavenaghi]

I didn't read the posts except for the beginning of the one that said France didn't play so well. You mean the conversation about the lineup and the future? It's nothing to do with the result of the game. In/post game threads are in that forum, and the rule is threads with spoilers state so in the title. Nothing vague about that. :)
If you make a thread about one specific point that doesn't really need the results as arguments, then of course it should be a spoiler free thread. But when you call it "France National Team - March Euro 2008 Qualifying" I'm sorry, the title is clearly an invitation for talking about the results. And once the game is over, the lineups question will always be judged considering the result.
Actually, I think you're a bit masochist :) You already saw how these threads went in the past and you knew there would be spoilers. And I can predict it will be the same story next time...
That doesn't make us right but you are certainly taking risks by coming back in here once the game is over.
Sorry :o (even if you can thank us for spoilling this shitty game :D )

[Bastien947]

Well... Lithuania is not a good team to watch.... They like to draw with big teams. It's one of those team who wants to draw or win by 1-0...

Good game by Sagnol !

[Butterfly]

Butterfly, did you cap? Can't cap any games atm cause my laptop died recently and a friend borrow me an old PC with 128Mo of RAM and a crappy processor! Everytime I'm trying to do something it's like the computer is gonna explode :D

Or... maybe we weren't clear enough :confused:
DON'T WATCH THAT GAME! :D
Good point!

[drac78]

Well... Lithuania is not a good team to watch.... They like to draw with big teams. It's one of those team who wants to draw or win by 1-0...

Good game by Sagnol !

And by playing with 3 defensive midfielders, Dommenech wants to win?

Can you say that a team with 3 defensive midfielders and a crap player like Govou playing is a good team to watch? i don't think so...

[usagi]

And by playing with 3 defensive midfielders, Dommenech wants to win?

Can you say that a team with 3 defensive midfielders and a crap player like Govou playing is a good team to watch? i don't think so...

Come on, Govou is certainly not a crap player. He has always been competitive and so during all these years with OL
He just can't run for the all team
I think the problem with the French team is the lack of motivation
You can't blame Domenech for everything even if his managing skills are doubtable They didn't need Domenech for being the shittiest team after Saudi Arabia in 2002 I don't think they show their best once they come to play against a big team
They just wake up when they realize they have a chance to get to the finale
The France Italy game during the qualifyer was I think a revenge for the World cup and a tribute to Zizou and to the former players (and Govou was brilliant in this game)
French players don't show their guts like Italian or British players during international competition. It seems like playing for France is a burden
They certainly prefer running for their different clubs (Henry doesn't run in blue like he runs in England)
If what I say is true, well they should retire and leave the place to players that really want to run for their colours (me the first)

The game was shit anyway and I can't believe that Nasri wasn't on the pitch
At least ANelka ran in this game, quite unusual

[drac78]

Come on, Govou is certainly not a crap player. He has always been competitive and so during all these years with OL
He just can't run for the all team
I think the problem with the French team is the lack of motivation
You can't blame Domenech for everything even if his managing skills are doubtable They didn't need Domenech for being the shittiest team after Saudi Arabia in 2002 I don't think they show their best once they come to play against a big team
They just wake up when they realize they have a chance to get to the finale
The France Italy game during the qualifyer was I think a revenge for the World cup and a tribute to Zizou and to the former players (and Govou was brilliant in this game)
French players don't show their guts like Italian or British players during international competition. It seems like playing for France is a burden
They certainly prefer running for their different clubs (Henry doesn't run in blue like he runs in England)
If what I say is true, well they should retire and leave the place to players that really want to run for their colours (me the first)

The game was shit anyway and I can't believe that Nasri wasn't on the pitch
At least ANelka ran in this game, quite unusual

You're right and, to be honest, I don't really think Dommenech is a very good motivator. I mean how could players be motivated when you tell them that the match vs Lithuania is like a FINALE?!

Also, the fact that Dommenech always takes the same players, even those who hardly play in their club (Thuram, Govou....) is not very motivating. The players know they will always be in the squad no matter how they play...

[usagi]

Also, the fact that Dommenech always takes the same players, even those who hardly play in their club (Thuram, Govou....) is not very motivating. The players know they will always be in the squad no matter how they play...[/QUOTE]

Exactly! Changing the squad a bit will bring fresh air that's why I was happy when I saw Nasri and Piquionne on the list
Young motivated players like Nasri will be a must for the team. He is brilliant in Marseille he just asking for a fight at the International level and will certainly do better than a Toulalan and a Makelele together
Come on Domenech! Bring us Giuly Mexes Bodmer Nasri on the pitch!

[drac78]

Exactly! Changing the squad a bit will bring fresh air that's why I was happy when I saw Nasri and Piquionne on the list
Young motivated players like Nasri will be a must for the team. He is brilliant in Marseille he just asking for a fight at the International level and will certainly do better than a Toulalan and a Makelele together
Come on Domenech! Bring us Giuly Mexes Bodmer Nasri on the pitch![/QUOTE]

I'm afraid Nasri and Piquionne will be forgotten like Mavuba, Chimbonda, Faubert etc though :(

[usagi]

I'm afraid Nasri and Piquionne will be forgotten like Mavuba, Chimbonda, Faubert etc though :(

Nasri needs his chance one time to shine He has everything to be a classy player He needs to show it in real time....but if he is not given the chance
Faubert is a polyvalent player really combative....and he is not on the pitch!

[Bastien947]

And by playing with 3 defensive midfielders, Dommenech wants to win?

Yes he wanted to win, and he won...
Maybe it's not a good way to win but... hey, it's Lithuania, a team with the reputation of making the game shitty^^

[LilleOSC]

"Une banderole raciste représentant l'Afrique repeinte aux couleurs françaises a été déployée samedi à Kaunas juste avant le coup d’envoi de Lituanie-France."

http://www.football365.fr/la_une/story_158722_34_Bleus-Banderole-raciste-en-Lituanie.shtml

[AJAuxerre]

i really dont see why domenech doesnt give some young players a chance (as mentioned above). the likes of nasri, gourcuff, maybe even bodmer from lille. he gets over looked!

[Butterfly]

"Une banderole raciste représentant l'Afrique repeinte aux couleurs françaises a été déployée samedi à Kaunas juste avant le coup d’envoi de Lituanie-France."
J'ai pas vu la banderole donc cest pas évident de juger, mais bon il est triste de voir à quel point les actes racistes et violents se multiplient ces derniers temps... l'UEFA devrait prendre des sanctions sévères...

[LilleOSC]

J'ai pas vu la banderole donc cest pas évident de juger, mais bon il est triste de voir à quel point les actes racistes et violents se multiplient ces derniers temps... l'UEFA devrait prendre des sanctions sévères...
I found the picture of the banner:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4025/paklodemm5.jpg

[cavenaghi]

Hey! Lithuania seems to be a nice country! :rolleyes:
Well, at least their french is perfect...

[Allez.les.bleus]

wow.... how to do you punish fans for that?

if you are just using this photo, how do you judge WHO did it?

I thought it was just a small banner.. fuckin' A!

[usagi]

If they don't have good football players, at least they have a good sense of humour;)

[drac78]

crap line-up by Domenech once again against Austria...again 3 defensive midfielders :eek:

[AJAuxerre]

crap line-up by Domenech once again against Austria...again 3 defensive midfielders :eek:

imnot able to watch it and havent seen an official lineup yet anywhere online. can u tell me what it is? i heard hes planning on playing some youngsters.

[Carew10]

Hey! Lithuania seems to be a nice country! :rolleyes:
Well, at least their french is perfect...

Their just jealous cause their nation are a bunch of football noobs. :D

[drac78]

imnot able to watch it and havent seen an official lineup yet anywhere online. can u tell me what it is? i heard hes planning on playing some youngsters.

--------------Coupet

Clerc- Thuram - Mexes - Escudé
diarra - mavuba - diaby
-------------nasri---------
---------anelka-cissé

[il2]

J'ai pas vu la banderole donc cest pas évident de juger, mais bon il est triste de voir à quel point les actes racistes et violents se multiplient ces derniers temps... l'UEFA devrait prendre des sanctions sévères...

exact... But this is UEFA - Platini doesn't make a difference.

mais dis-donc, c'est tellement conviviale votre jolie communauté européenne ! :D

[jorquera]

Can anyone tell me what is the story with that banner? I don't speak Freanch so it is kinda hard to understand.

Nice to see Mexes finally play for France. How did he play?

[Bastien947]

Mexes played well but only the first half... But he didn't had much to do...


Good game by France, more impressive than against Lithuania. Juste Cissé : LOL !

Anelka is very good, that a man who's capable to keep the ball

[cavenaghi]

Can anyone tell me what is the story with that banner? I don't speak Freanch so it is kinda hard to understand.

Nice to see Mexes finally play for France. How did he play?
Simple, you have the map of Africa with the french colors on it and it is written "Welcome to Europe".
Meaning: the French NT is just a bunch of african players (since there is a lot of black guys in it).
Well, they weren't supposed to know that most of those black players aren't from Africa but from the French West Indies ;)