France 1-0 Austria (Benzema Scored!)

I’ve been absolutely desperate to see Karim Benzema in Bleu ever since I saw him in a Champions League game last fall. (I can’t even remember which game it was.) Today he rewarded my faith in him, putting in the only goal of the game. That goal was a real work of art. Samir Nasri (also in his first game) passed a free kick from just outside the box along the ground to Benzema in front of the goal, and Benzema sent off a gorgeous shot to just inside the near post. It was really well done. (UPDATE: Bob just sent me the video and it’s posted below.)

Actually, the whole game was gorgeous. If you haven’t seen it, try to catch it somewhere. After France-Greece I was worried about where the team’s future would come from. I’m not so worried any more. All five of the new players got playing time, and as a whole they were impressive. Also impressive were Julien Escude, who started out at left-back and then moved to center at the half, and Philippe Mexes, who played a solid first half alongside Lilian Thuram. (Who was replaced by William Gallas at the half.) Eric Abidal was brought in on the left at the half, but I actually thought that Escude played better. He seemed better at driving the ball up the touchline and placing himself where he could make a difference. (As much as it pains me to say that, because I love Abidal.) I’m still not sure why Domenech pulled Mexes out at the half, though, because he was playing quite well. Does Roma have a big game this weekend also? And Francois Clerc again played solidly, but I still prefer Sagnol.

The midfield looked maybe a little weak, especially first half. I don’t really think it was any one player, but just a general collective lack of experience. Between Lassana Diarra and Rio Antonia Mavuba and Abou Diaby, all three played catch-up a bit. I don’t want to be too harsh on them, though, because they really did step up to the challenge and for the most part played well. And does Diaby move like Patrick Vieira or what? I kept thinking I was seeing Vieira on the field.

Nasri wasn’t quite as solid as I expected. Or he was solid, but he’s nineteen. He seemed to give the ball away more than he will in a couple of years. First game jitters, maybe? But like I said, his free kick that led to the goal was art. And his corners were gorgeous and well-placed as well. But when he came off and Florent Malouda went on partway through the second half, it seemed to help things gel in the entire midfield. Not because Nasri was the problem, but because Malouda’s experience smoothed some of the rough edges of the group.

I didn’t see as much of Benzema’s skills as I would have liked because he played only the second half. (Subbed in for Djibril Cisse.) And after his goal the team switched to a lot more defensive ball, so the forwards didn’t get much opportunity to show their skills. (Ditto for Frederic Piquionne, who was subbed in for Diaby late in the game.) But I still think Benzema is going to be an incredible addition to the team, and Piquionne looked solid as well.

And what about Nicolas Anelka? Oh my Lord, do I love to watch this man play! When he dribbles, it’s as if the ball is surgically attached to his foot. And his ability to shift the pace to make the defenders do what he wants them to do is second to none. (Although it’s very similar to a fit and healthy Thierry Henry.) Plus he THINKS when he plays — a skill so many strikers lack. And not only that, did anybody else watch his interactions with Samir Nasri before the game and before the second half? It was very sweet and big brother-like. Who knew the enfant terrible had it in him? I mean, who besides me?

All in all, a game that filled me with hope for the future. And a game I want to watch again, just for the sheer joy of it.