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Netherlands vs. France Preview

June 12th, 2008 | By: Inara | 17 Comments »

We need to win this game, or else we’re screwed, and then we’ll end up with a sob story to rival Switzerland’s, the difference being that no one will feel sorry for us. Instead, they will say that France got what they deserved because they chose to play like crap.

Yeah…so let’s win this, okay?

June 13, 2008
Stade de Suisse, Bern
20:45 CET (2:45 PM Eastern, 11:45 AM Pacific, 19:45 GMT)

About the enemy:

The Netherlands are raring to go after they humiliated Italy with their worst defeat in over 25 years. They’ve got some of the best attacking talent in the entire continent, they have a coach who more or less has a brain, and best of all, their squad is actually stable. Daryl wrote up a terrific preview of Oranje, so check it out here.

Their defense may not be at the same level as their attack, but it’s also important to remember that in qualifying, Holland was tied for fewest goals conceded along with France and the Czech Republic. Granted, they had a slightly easier qualifying group, but those numbers are proof that the Dutch back line isn’t a joke.

Can Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz stop the talent that is in our forward line? Perhaps not. After all, Holland are not Romania. They will not be setting up a blockade in front of their net. Instead, they will be intent of using their attack to overwhelm France in the back. It should also be noted that the Dutch failed to score against both their games against Romania in qualifying.

So the more important question is, can the French defense cope with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder? And there is also Arjen Robben to consider. He’s returned to fitness faster than expected and may start tomorrow.

Still, Les Bleus are not without some strengths of their own, and though their defensive style is derided by many, for once, such discipline may be to their benefit. Against such a dangerous team that have no problem scoring goals (unlike France), Domenech’s counter attacking strategy may not be such a bad idea. The key will be maintaining composure in the final third of the pitch and finishing off the chances that are presented to the players.

France info:

Thierry Henry is back to full fitness and has been training normally for the past couple of days. No word yet on Patrick Vieira, who looked so-so in France’s friendly game against a local Swiss youth team. If he’s fully fit, I’ll be happy to see him back in the lineup, but if he’s even at 80%, I think it would be better to stick with someone else.

Otherwise, everyone else is healthy, which is quite a blessing since many other teams are missing players due to injury despite it being so early in the tournament.

But I do need to stress that being healthy is one thing, and and being in form is another. The game against Romania was proof of that - technically, nothing was wrong with Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery. They just played like pod people. But that nonsense will have to stop, and the players need to motivate themselves to rise to the occasion. France might traditionally be slow starters, but if they are too slow, they’ll miss their ride to the quarterfinals.

Tactics:

I almost fainted from the shock of hearing that Domenech was contemplating making up to four changes in his starting lineup for tomorrow’s game. He didn’t say what positions he would change, but apparently, he’s had his team switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 during the last few days of training. In case you didn’t know, that was France’s formation during the 2006 World Cup.

This doesn’t mean that Domenech will be using that formation tomorrow, but he’s thinking about it, and that’s progress, right? Assuming he does switch to a 4-2-3-1, this is what I expect to see:

Coupet
Sagnol - Thuram - Gallas - Abidal
Toulalan - Makelele
Govou - Nasri - Ribery
Henry

I originally thought that Patrice Evra would have a crack at LB tomorrow, but Domenech made it very clear that he doesn’t like to mess with his defense unless it’s absolutely necessary. So while that Domenech hasn’t ruled out Evra, it looks increasingly unlikely. Same goes for Francois Clerc, whom I would rather see at RB, but I’m guessing Domenech will stick to Eric Abidal and Willy Sagnol.

If Patrick Vieira is fit, then perhaps he’ll take the place of Jeremy Toulalan in midfield. If not, I expect both Toulalan and Claude Makelele to be in midfield tomorrow. However, it’s possible that Domenech might push Toulalan forward and to the right. He’s done that before (it was great against Ukraine but not so much against Paraguay).

Up front is where most of the changes are. If France switch to a lone striker, it will most likely be Thierry Henry, who has the most experience under his belt. But I don’t know if it’s such a good idea - Henry, while still dangerous, isn’t as sharp as he used to be, and these days, he’s better at creating space and chances for other more mobile players. But Karim Benzema didn’t impress against Romania (though it wasn’t really his fault), and perhaps Domenech might prefer to use him off the bench when legs get tired.

Domenech can’t seem to decide whether he likes Samir Nasri or Franck Ribery in the hole behind the striker. Most of the time, he prefers Ribery there, but Nasri also plays well there in that position, so Domenech might choose to restore Ribery to his favorite position on the left. Also, after Florent Malouda’s tepid performances, Sidney Govou ought to start. A lot of people might not like Govou, but he may be a better option than Malouda at this point.

Another possibility, but one that’s much more remote, is dropping Govou and using Benzema on the flank, a position that he’s played on occasion at Lyon and also for France.

Or maybe Domenech will end up sticking to his 4-4-2. That wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Viewing options:

This game will be broadcast live on ESPN2. If you don’t have access to cable television, you can check out this website which is sure to have tons of links posted before kickoff. If you don’t know how to watch games online, visit the Worldcupblog’s guide to mastering the art of internet streaming.

This game will also be liveblogged by WCB, so definitely head over there tomorrow morning to hang out, angst, and cheer on France.

Expected Result:

I’m not expecting a beating like the one Holland gave Italy. This game could potentially end in either a goalless or a low-scoring draw, and if either side wins the game, it’ll probably be by a single goal.

Tags: Euro 2008, France, Franck Ribery, Holland, Les Bleus, Netherlands, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry

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Comments

By Intan | June 12th, 2008 at 10:08 pm

My local newspaper just reported that Raymond Domenech is apparently now refusing to change his formation, even after William Gallas went to the reporters to say that French “played with their handbrakes on” and “needed to play faster” and “people in the defense position such as myself cannot play any role in offense in Domenech’s team”, Domenech said that for such an important match, he “doesn’t want to take risks” by changing the formation, and that William Gallas is a joker and always makes him laugh.
If we lose this match, we know who to blame.

Posted from Singapore

By AJ | June 12th, 2008 at 10:36 pm

But France DOES play like crap.

France is going to be stuck in a cage with a lion. Demolishing time.

Posted from Canada

By Ronald | June 12th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

The game is also available on ESPN360.com ( your service provider must be on their list though ) and it is available in english or spanish ( i choose Spanish, alittle more action from the commentators and jokes that are actually funny )

By Phil | June 12th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

OUTSTANDING analysis!!! I’m hoping to see Nasri start in the 4-2-3-1 formation. I also want Malouda out so indeed Govou. Benzema would be a great super-sub but I don’t want to see Gomis again, he’s done.

Allez les bleus!!!!

By Laurie | June 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Domenech was asked whether he’s superstitious about playin on Friday the 13th. His response?

“I’m not superstitious. That would bring bad luck!”

Posted from United States

By Laurie | June 13th, 2008 at 12:02 am

France Soir is predicting that Sagnol will be replaced, and possibly Abidal as well. They’re also saying Nasri’s too young and inexperienced to start, so they think it will be Govou, Ribery and Malouda.

Of course, they’re saying Malouda is a default because Rothen and Ben Arfa aren’t there, which doesn’t take into account that Ribery plays on the left for Bayern and has said he prefers it. So I think I’d take their analysis with a grain of salt.

But then they do go on and quote Domenech as saying that he doesn’t want to destabilize the defense, which kind of negates what they say about the fullbacks.

And adding both Clerc and Evra really would destabilize the backline — we saw it in one of the earlier games this year, where both went forward frequently and we were very vulnerable on counterattacks, which are a Dutch specialty.

If it were up to me, I’d swap out Sagnol and leave Abidal in. (As much as it kills me to say that, as we all know how much I love Sagnol. But he’s been unimpressive since he came back, and we can’t afford sentimentality over performance.)

Posted from United States

By set | June 13th, 2008 at 1:55 am

I really think that even though Domenech stated he wants us to score goals, he will still keep a pretty defensive line-up. Of course, he wants his team to score, but he wants them to keep a clean sheet even more.
And the game against Romania really showed that we are bad at setting up a goal the slow way, and it makes sense because the coach has always aimed to build a counter-attack team.
So I don’t see Evra playing, and I wouldn’t be so surprised if he keeps a 4-4-2.

Posted from France

By Chad Buie | June 13th, 2008 at 2:05 am

I think that Dom is up to the same tricks as in the world cup. The only reason they did not win, is that they were unlucky often in the tournament. Astrology affects, whether people want to view it or not. I think it works for him, but not having a star player like Henry makes it hard for the other players to have cofidnece, so players like Nasri, Govou need to play. So when Henry is out they have guys with steam ready. However, I think that Henry will take care of the problems they had agains Romania. He will run at the shakey Dutch and force them to make bad defense. Benzema, Govou would be great support and Riberey should have a better time feeding foward. As far as defense, they need Viera and that is it. Willy Sagnol is a very creative defender and if they want to replace him do it, but leave Abidal in, it is strong, fast, and technically gifted.

-Chad Buie-
Jacksonville, Florida Viva La Francia

By Darshan | June 13th, 2008 at 2:44 am

I really hope we see something special tonight, but I have a feeling its going to come against the italians. I have a feeling we are going to take them apart in the last game. Anyway, for tonight I really wouldn’t want to mess with the backling considering the way netherlands played against italy, we need experience and rock solid defending. And in that sense I don’t see anyone better than Sagnol-Thuram-Gallas-Abidal. Mid field Makelele - Toualan (wud prefer Viera at 100% but I am sure thats not the case) Up front it has to be Henry substituted later by Benzema. and In the centre Ribery - Nasri (I would love to try Anelka here but don’t think thats possible today) - Govou. What say…?? And Jeff thanks for the Cisse and Trezeguet update.

Posted from India

By Jan | June 13th, 2008 at 4:12 am

Good one Laurie, hahahhaaaa

Posted from Australia

By Kirsty | June 13th, 2008 at 4:18 am

Common Holland
I Hate The French
HaHa.
Dirk Kuyt To Score A Hat-Trick !!!!!

By Kirsty | June 13th, 2008 at 4:22 am

Northern Ireland

By behnaz | June 13th, 2008 at 9:25 am

im very interested in france but i sick of their last game !! it was so nasty!!!! shame on them!!!i hate their stille i hate their play !! they just move the ball !! nothing more!!! i hope they will and mor than that they defeat Italy

By Sheick | June 13th, 2008 at 9:48 am

I believe that France need to be more confident to take over the game against Holland. Domenech must use his experienced players as well as well as technically offensive players. Evra must play, we have seen him playing for man utd, am not a fans of man utd, but i believe Evra can cause trouble. He is not the kind of player that get intimidated, he has got skills, he is strong, he can run with the ball, and do clever through passes. On the other hand Ribery is a great player, but he needs support from some experienced players, not only kids. Before we had zidane, so zidane could stay to maintain the shape and Ribery would create the danger on the opponent’s side. But now its not the case, in the 1st match Ribery could not do much, but its not his fault. I strongly think Domenech needs to get serious about the game, he needs to get Henry, Viera and Evra into the game. Or else it will be too late, and nobody would want to listen to his silly chats and excuses. Domenech needs to get the fuck out of his fantasy world and get real about the game!!!! FUK !! AM PISSED !!!

By John | June 13th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

I don’t think the backline should be tinkered with for this game, but in the future, I’d like to see Clerc and Evra in for extra attacking. I like the 4-4-2 for now, with Toulalan and Makalele playing behind the line, Ribery at LMF and Nasri at RMF. Also, Henry as SS- he is perfect for this role- and Benzema as CF. We need more push in the midfeild. Toulalan is my boy, but he ain’t cutting it at CMF: we need someone to feed the strikers. He’s a holding MF.
I’d also like to see Nasri as AMF- in a 4-2-3-1- behind the strikers, with Ribery on the left and Govou on the right.

Posted from Costa Rica

By Mohamed | June 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

i saw on livescore.com the line up, we have henry, govou, malouda, ribery in the attack

Posted from Belgium

By John | June 13th, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Inara: can this site block readers? Take a look at the comment by the reader “the truth” in your “Netherlands vs. France Preview” piece. Really don’t want to read any of this Nazi scumbag’s comments.

Posted from Costa Rica

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