Quick Word on France 1, Lithuania 0

Agreed on some points.

With respect to the 1 April match: I also think both Diarras did well, and Gignac (that one ballooned shot into Row Z notwithstanding) & Benzema were game-changing subs. King Franck continues to reign.

A little unhappy with Titi’s performance (particularly with that sitter around the 80th minute), though, and didn’t think that Gourcuff had that great of a showing either as he looked rather slow on the dribble.

Domenech needs to stop using 2 dmids against a bunkering team looking for a draw and only a draw. This could have and should have been 3-0 France with the proper tactics and formation.

It could have been 3-0 with the formation and tactics Domenech used this week. But it also easily could have been Lithuania 1-0 with, for instance, Nasri slotted instead of Alou. While Lithuania over the two games was terrible technically, they were terrific tactically, and came out in the second half in Paris asking questions. That France withstood that and did not make the key mistakes we’ve half come to expect, worked as a team to keep pushing with disciplined purpose, was to me a welcome revelation. And didn’t both Evra (excellent) and Sagna push up more frequently than they have?

Gourcuff had a frustrated evening and they missed Toulalan. The latter could pose a problem for those pushing for a more offensive lineup (since Lassana seems to me to have made the case for his inclusion in any 11). Say what you will about Domenech (as people did about Jacquet), but you can’t argue that this could be a super team in the making, one with both instinctual and instilled understanding.

I think the team played well, got the job done.

BUT, the talent on the team with an OFFENSIVE coach could make France a world beater.
Unlike teams like Italy with its world known defense, France is known for quick passing and beautiful set ups for goals. Not wonder strikes like Germany, not long balls like England, but a creative and fluid passing style. We have some of the best established attackers in the world (Henry, Anelka, Trezeguet lol) and the most promising young attacking players in the form of Ribery, Benzema, Nasri, Gignac, Gourcuff, Ben Arfa (he needs to improve), etc (i know im missing some people). There is NO excuse for winning a game only 1-0, although hats off to the teams like Lithuania that play the foolproof and so grandiose 9-1-0 formation.

We need to have Domenech grow some balls, get rid of all this defensive crap and start unlocking the attacking potential available. What a better time to do that than against the Faroe Islands!

Honestly, if we had a coach like Wenger who can coordinate a fluid, attacking, team-work based style, I would feel confident to say that we would win the World Cup…but until then, my confidence in this team is pretty shaky.

“…Honestly, if we had a coach like Wenger who can coordinate a fluid, attacking, team-work based style, I would feel confident to say that we would win the World Cup…but until then, my confidence in this team is pretty shaky.”

I’m not so sure of this assertion by you J-M about the Guru as the other EPL teams have successfully adopted the 9-1-0 formation that you’ve mentioned against the Gunners and now fighting for the magical 4th place.

However 100% agree with you on the style adopted brings one of misery for this ever talented offense hungry team. What can we do as fans just hope and keep the faith in Domenech to get us to Africa!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC0Ch1JEqAw

Look what a marksman should NOT do. Get your a$$ into the box, Teary. Enough pretense of being a creative player.

not entirely convinced . the french defense wasn’t tested to, so to say the defense is good will have to wait. midfield and attacking needs working, there where moment when france didn’t know what to do with ball, for instance the would get the ball around the box if not in there. with clear opening inof steading shooting at goal they would look for someone to pass the ball, allowing the Lithuanians to regroup quickly, nullifying the offense.

also ray needs stop players calling like luyindula, savidan, etc. they aren’t national team material. good but not not enough for the world stage.

rotation is killing this team. unless key players are injured they shouldn’t be rotated. having mexes, flamini, or glichy playing today and later not play….. going back and forth shows lack of direction. they should be replaced in case of injury or subbed for tactical purposes

I agree with your last comment Gaston. Seems like Domenech is still looking for answers in some of his players. Injuries are not helping him out either. I did not know much of Gignac but he definitely impressed me with his physical presence and his attack mindset. I’ll have to review the game again, but I’m not sure I agree with Benzema being a positive addition. I’m willing to give him more chances though. How can someone that’s so influential in his club be so mediocre on international duty? Lassana Diarra looked Make-ish. I like his hustle. Toulalan played well on the first leg. Squilacci looked very calm back there which is what we need. Only so many players can play at the same time but if there ever is a way to incorporate Ribery, Nasri, Gourcuff, and eventually Gignac then we would have a solid foundation. Players that consistently play together and anticipate each others runs off the ball. A couple times it seemed like we gave the ball away because of lack of understanding.

200% agree with Jean michel and 201% with Gaston

im not saturated yet

HENRY, needs to, he is stoping the team progress

If France don’t win in Belgrade then Serbia will win the group easily, just remember even when the Serbs have performed poorly in the last 15 years they have only lost 1 competitive game at home but now they have a great coach and a powerful emerging team that is only getting better. All the best to the French but I think you underestimating the Serbs and it will cost you dearly.