Is somebody trying to say Domenech’s faith was misplaced? I think that somebody missed the last 9 years. Sure he’s not a spring chicken anymore but it was never pace alone that Thierry brought to bear on defences. And besides, he’s still the sexiest man in football.

Laurie gets to the heart of the matter and asks the unanswered question:

“Why can’t France put the ball in the net in open play?”

Honestly, it’s like watching Arsenal at their worst. I say that as a passionate, loyal gooner. Bags of talent and football brilliance all over the pitch….but it’s like the damned net is somewhere on Mars!

Also as a passionate and loyal gooner there’s no greater fan of Thierry Henry than I. In 6 visits to England during Henry’s reign at Arsenal, I got to see the man play in the flesh several times and they are games that I will never forget. Having watched football games live for almost 40 years and in multiple countries, there are only a few that I remember with such vivid images and sheer visceral excitement. Henry’s games are among those powerful memories.

But I agree with those who say that he’s just not the same anymore. I know he’s been played out of position at Barca and it’s stupid to expect the same brilliant Henry now that he’s older, plagued with sciatica, in his first season in a new country under a different system and manager. But even with France he doesn’t seem the same anymore–not just physically, but mentally.

I certainly hope to have my doubts proven wrong but I have to agree with Laurie’s concerns. I really do wish Domenech would start relying less on Henry and give his other forwards more chances. Henry’s place in the national team is too cozy. That’s never good for a team fighting for a trophy.

All that said, I agree it’s stupid to expect total commitment from the players in these friendlies, just before a major tournament. And PLEASE, dear god, I don’t want to hear about any injuries to Ribery!!!

In order to look ahead, here’s some highlights from Romania-Montenegro, their latest morale-booster. Don’t know if there is much to learn from that, except that I am not sure the French defense would do the kind of mistakes that the Montenegrans do; Thuram would be a God in Montenegro!

http://www.bestsoccervids.com/2008/05/romania-montenegro-4-0-full-highlights.html

COUPET

GALLAS(CALL ME CRAZY) THURAM ABIDAL EVRA

DIARRA MAKELELE TOULALAN

RIBERY

BENZEMA HENRY

something’s up with titi. for some reason he’s not the same. i’m not saying domenech should throw the baby out with the bathwater, but i do think that his strict policy to play henry no matter what is hurting the team.

stephane and i argue about this constantly, but it is my simple belief that as henry is out of form he should be challenged for his starting place like any other player. stephane goes all mental when i say this, arguing about whether he’s out of form or not and saying that i want to drop henry. well, i’m not saying drop him forever, but simply that he isn’t indispensable.

surely the way to go is to not play him sometimes and see how he responds. develop an alternative. play anelka and benzema. gomis and benzema? benzema in front of govou and ribery – whatever! but try something else.

and then if the combination with titi works better than the one without, then fine – argument settled.

also, i do believe that it isn’t healthy for your ego being untouchable like that for so long. he’s been a starter for about 10 years now. as a striker thats incredible! i reckon drop him, drop him proper, and see how he reacts. tell him, i’m not impressed. this stuff you’re doing on the pitch lately just isn’t good enough for me. i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him playing with a little more fire then…