France 2-0 Ukraine

June 3rd, 2007 | by: Laurie |

I haven’t seen the game yet — I spent all of yesterday trying not to sulk because I had to miss it. And Setanta braodband hasn’t come through with the archived footage yet. (If they don’t soon, I’m going to be ticked. What am I paying these people for anyhow? Two words: France Games. Got it, Setanta guys?)

But here’s what I do know: This team is finally starting to feel like the real deal, post-World Cup. I don’t have access to who was subbed in and out, but I know Cisse came in for Anelka towards the end of the game. I should have more time and info tomorrow. Here was the lineup:

————-Coupet—————-

Clerc – Thuram – Gallas – Abidal

——–Makelele – Toulalan——-

——Ribery – Nasri – Malouda——

————-Anelka——————-

Goals by Ribery and Anelka.

(Woohoo! We’re at the top of the standings! And Italy beat Faroe Islands by only 2-1! Is this the first goal the hapless Faroes have scored? How wonderful that it’s against Italy. Heehee.)

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Patrick

I’m a little worried about Coupet. He pulled out of the next match against Georgia, supposedly because he’s injured. But he did this also after the Scotland match. I hope there hasn’t been a fight between Domenech and Greg. Does anyone have any details?
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Laurie

Patrick, I am SO out of touch and don’t have access to any of my bookmarks, so I can’t do any real research till Wednesday.

I’m not surprised that he’s not playing for the Georgia game, but yes, this is exactly what happened for the Faroe Islands game — a phantom injury that nobody saw which allowed Landreau to get some time in. I thought it was suspicious at the time, and it seems suspicious now too.

I’m guessing Frey will get his first cap on Wednesday?
Terry USA

IMAGINE THIS LINE UP

COUPET
SAGNOL
GALLAS
THURAM
ABIDA
VIERRA
MAKELELE
NASRI
MALOUDA
HENRY
ANELKA

YOU READ IT HERE FRANCE WILL WIN THE EURO 2008 THEY ARE JUST TOO GOOD, ITALY WILL NOT EVEN GO TO THE FINALS
princedesparcs

Terry,

Nice squad, but where’s Ribery?

It’s ironic, but like Trezeguet before him, I think Henry could be relegated: Judging by the last few matches, it could be that Anelka is the scorer France has been missing for a generation. (Redemption’s a beautiful thing.)

Or could Henry, on the left wing at Malouda’s expense, and Anelka pair?

Richard, in NYC
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Laurie

Terry, I’m agreeing with most of your choices, especially your back line. I’m wondering if putting two holding midfielders over thirty on the field at once is tempting fate, though. Toulalan looked very strong to me against Ukraine…

I’m also having a hard time seeing how Anelka and Henry and Nasri will all fit on the field at one time. (Not that it’s not lovely to dream about.) Anelka and Henry have so many similarities. I’m wondering if having them play together might be too much of a good thing and too much duplication?

After finally seeing the game, I’m thinking my dream team may be pretty much what we saw Saturday, except with Sagnol at right back. (And Benzema subbing in, of course. And perhaps Anelka and Henry alternating.)

I’m curious to see how this will all shake out in the coming year