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France - Scotland Pregame

September 12th, 2007 | By: Laurie | 13 Comments »

If you ever get a chance to attend a game in France, do it! There are about 15,000 Scotsmen running around Paris in kilts in advance of tonight’s game. It’s highly entertaining. I’m staying in a tiny hotel within walking distance of Parc des Princes and loving every second of the trip.

So who realised before Saturday’s game that Thierry Henry would be suspended with another yellow? Yeah, me neither. And apparently neither did he. L’Equipe was saying yesterday that nobodywarned him and the suspension was a shock. Oops. (Consider this cosmic karma for dumping your lovely wife, Titi.)

So what does this mean for tonight’s game? Well, if I’m ever to see my Trezeguet-Anelka pairing, tonight will be the night. I’m thinking more likely, though, will be a 4-2-3-1, with Ribéry, Nasri and Malouda behind Anelka.

(Ooh! Look! I did the accent in Ribéry wthout doing the copy and paste thing. Almost makes up for the fact that a’s and w’s and q’s appear in my text without warning due to the French keyboard.)

There’s also a chance that Gallas may be back for the game. I have mixed feelings about this. I always hate to see somebody first back from injury in an important game. But on the other hand, the team tends to win when he plays. I guess I’ll let Domenech make that decision.

I haven’t checked out today’s l’Equipe yet, so that’s all the news I have at the moment.

(I was reading l’Equipe at dinner last night at a little brasserie near the stadium and the proprietor was shocked at the sight of an American woman reading a French sports paper. He asked for my prediction for the game and was so pleased by my expectation of 1-0 for France that he kissed my hand.)

I love France.

Tags: France, Gallas, Henry, Scotland

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Comments

By sandrahn | September 12th, 2007 at 6:51 am

I am so envious of you, Laurie!! I hope to see Anelka paired with Trez. And I’m glad Henry is suspended.

Posted from United States

By bib | September 12th, 2007 at 7:16 am

Trez played awesome against Scotland last game I think he’s the best choice. France shouldn’t have any trouble with Scotland and their qualification is pretty much secure. Even though you think italy is scum I think France is great and it wouldn’t be a Euro without them..I wish you the best of luck today.

Posted from Canada

By princedesparcs | September 12th, 2007 at 9:38 am

You’ve got your wishes, according to L’Equipe … Landreau - L.Diarra - Thuram - Escudé - Abidal - Vieira (cap.) - Makelele - Ribéry - Anelka - Trezeguet - Malouda.

Though I share your assessments re Henry, Sandrahn, let’s hope this marks a turning point from recent history. France has lost the last two times Trezeguet has started (Argentina, Scotland). And the last (only?) time Anelka and Trez started together resulted in the 1-2 defeat to Slovakia — although with both subbed at the 0-0 half.

Simply, today’s match hinges on who can best take advantage of high balls into the box. Portentously perhaps, that also might mean any result depends who can best defend against them.

I’m curious, though, as to who, with Henry in the tribune and ZZ in front of the tele, would take any penalties? Could be key …

Allez!

Posted from United States

By sandrahn | September 12th, 2007 at 10:53 am

prince, you have a point — I certainly do hope that Anelka-Trez do better than the last time they started together. I’m actually surprised Domenech is going with two strikers, I expected him to put on Anelka alone. That’s what the Scottish manager is doing.

Posted from United States

By Rami | September 12th, 2007 at 11:05 am

I miss France like crazy. Have a Nutella crepe for me would you? hehe, enjoy the game Laurie.

Posted from United States

By L'Américain | September 12th, 2007 at 11:39 am

For all of you cube slaves like me:

http://www.tv-direct.fr/live_tf1.php

Posted from United States

By sandrahn | September 12th, 2007 at 2:01 pm

Thanks for that link, L’Americain! Ok, guys, game’s about to start, and I am very very nervous. Domenech is very capable of screwing up this game. And those Scots are mighty plucky, strong and determined.

Posted from United States

By sandrahn | September 12th, 2007 at 3:50 pm

Well that’s it. Domenech has cost France Euro qualification. Yeah there’s still a chance they might get out of this mess but it’s not likely. France can’t f—–g score!

Posted from United States

By wushugene | September 12th, 2007 at 3:59 pm

NO.

By L'Américain | September 12th, 2007 at 4:10 pm

how many diarras does it take to plug in a lightbulb?

good god.

i am going to be swimming in 1664s after work today.

Posted from United States

By wushugene | September 12th, 2007 at 7:31 pm

I have a bad feeling about this