Beating Costa Rica 2-1 at home isn't exactly the kind of result that's about to make France's rivals sit up and take notice, but there should be plenty of room for optimism around les Bleus' camp after their victory at the Stade Felix Bollaert on Wednesday night
Beating Costa Rica 2-1 at home isn't exactly the kind of result that's about to make France's rivals sit up and take notice, but there should be plenty of room for optimism around les Bleus' camp after their victory at the Stade Felix Bollaert on Wednesday night.
|
| Franck Ribery in action during France's friendly match against Costa Rica on Wednesday. Pic/AFP |
Over the last couple of years Raymond Domenech's side have been stifled by the overwhelming negativity of their coach, which seemed to sprout from an uncertain qualifying campaign for Euro 2008. When at the finals, France played tepidly against Romania side clearly content with a draw, meaning the match finished in a 0-0 stalemate, and despite such harrowing performances, 'Dom' has since gone to venues such as the Faroe Islands with two defensive midfielders shoehorned uneasily into his side.
u00a0
Finally, in his last match in charge on mainland French soil, Domenech has broken the mould. The 4-2-3-1 formation seems to have been cast aside for an altogether more positive 4-3-3 system, which allowed Les Bleus to act as a more dynamic and cohesive attacking unit against the Ticos.
Franck Ribery, who had a disappointing season with Bayern Munich, looked reborn on the left wing, attacking his full-back with relish every time he received the ball, and invariably making significant progress when in possession. Even Sidney Govou looked like making yards on the right hand side of the three-pronged attack.
Another player to have endured a somewhat disappointing campaign is Yoann Gourcuff, but he looked confident dictating play in the centre of the park, firing several fierce shots at goal and generally looking an altogether happier sole, even if his first touch was lacking at times.
Then there was the heartening performance of Mathieu Valbuena off the bench, who added further zest to the side, capping a sprightly debut performance from the bench with a goal.
Domenech is still clearly tinkering with his personnel, as this late change to France's system demands. Arsenal's Abou Diaby may be more suited in the middle of the park than Malouda, while it will be difficult for the coach to omit Thierry Henry from his regular XI, but where can the Barcelona man fit in? Certainly not ahead of Ribery, and it would be highly controversial if he usurped Anelka, leaving only his unfavoured right side up for grabs.
It may be a little too late to successfully change Les Bleus' style before the World Cup, but they were heading down a dead-end of despair under their previous system.
Sunday's encounter against Tunisia gives Domenech a chance to experiment, but judging by the home fans' reaction on Wednesday evening, the 58-year-old seems to be heading down the right track.
Argentines can have sexOn non-match days with regular partners and no champagne: the Argentina squad at the World Cup have received a conditional green light to have sex during the tournament.
According to team doctor Donato Villami, the players will be able to have sex during the World Cup in South Africa, but with regular partners and without champagne or other drinks. "Sex is part of everybody's social life and it's not a problem in itself. Problems arise with the excesses: all the extras, a non-regular partner or in hours reserved for rest," he said.
