The List for Morocco and Ukraine

Well I see Sarkozy wasn’t able to persuade Zidane to come play and play this game

I think this lineup looks pretty good and seems to leave an interesting array of combinations. Govou is back, eh? His experience might help some. The middle might deserve attention as far as organisation and compatibility (how about a pairing Ribery-Nasri just like in Marseille?).
The defense seems solid on paper, with veterans who might be able to contain you-know-who.
The attack seems to go same old.

Doumé, I’m having a hard time seeing an attack that includes the dynamic duo of Benzema and Ben Arfa (hereinafter referred to as “my boys”) as “same old.” And this is a good thing!!

Govou has been playing exceptionally well these past few weeks. It’s like he’s a whole new player. I would love to see him get some minutes against the Ukraine if possible.

Also, Perrin was a little annoyed with Domenech over the selection of Toulalan, who is still apparently injured.

That’s what I say, fuck charities. Nothing but a bunch of crap keeping you from your blogging duties.

Any particular reason why Domenech announces his squads 6 months before the games? Just Rayray being Rayray?

Don’t get me wrong — I’m all for charity. It’s the gala thing I can do without. I’m not all that big on botox and air kisses.

Laurie,
I was more thinking Henry/Anelka when I said “same old”. But with these injuries, I’m not even sure who’s 100%, 75% or what. Definitely, “your boys” are not “same old!”

Doumé, as an Anelka fan you have no idea how much it thrills me to think of Anelka as same ol’. He fought so hard to get his spot back, and now he’s arrived as a player who’s a given. Crossing fingers that he can stay there.

I’m really seeing these “attaquants” as the ones who will be in Euro ‘08 assuming all retain current form. (And I’m not even going to think about the possibility that we won’t be there. Is it okay if we root for Italy very, very quietly next week?)

Inara, I’m a bit nervous about the Toulalan callup as well. I love Toulalan, but I hope he doesn’t start in either game. It doesn’t do anybody any good to have an unfit player on the field.

[...] Germany’s list, Spain’s list, Colombia’s list, USA’s list, France’s list [...]

“Is it okay if we root for Italy very, very quietly next week?”

Not to ROOT for them, no — but we can just be very noncommittally satisfied if they do win.

What a helluva squad, tho, guys! I mean, look at that talent!! My only problem is that Domenech keeps calling up Thuram and Makelele. Much as I love them, I just don’t think they bring very much to the NT anymore.

Ben Arfa and Benzema are an absolute joy to watch, their recent performance v. PSG has to be one of my favorite games of the season.

Hey do you guys know about the backstory between Sagna and Evra? Apparently Sagna’s father has never forgiven Evra for a tackle that almost destroyed his son’s career. Sagna and Evra have never been on good terms since (Evra was at Monaco and Sagna at Auxerre). Sagna said that he’d been looking forward to the Man United game last Saturday precisely because Evra would be on the pitch.

For Evra’s part, he explained that his manager (Desailly) had urged all his players to do everything to win, not matter how ruthless. Evra’s pretty ruthless on the pitch.

I think Sagna should worry more about having such a terrible early 90s haircut. I guess someone has to have golden locks since mèxes wasn’t called up and coupet is injured.

Sandra,

I much disagree about Thuram, at least. His experience, knowledge and levelheadedness are invaluable. I don’t think it’s just coincidence that France has conceded just three in 11. While his speed and skills have certainly diminished some, he makes it up with smarts and cool. He also no longer ventures much beyond midfield. (But that Mexes doesn’t get playing time is baffling.) I absolutely believe the same about Vieira. Both, along with Makelele and possibly others, though, will likely hang up their internat’l boots after the Euro … and not any sooner, I hope.

But I’m pulling for the Scots Saturday. Let Italy win 4-0 a few days later. France will advance or fail on their own merits. (A tad perversely maybe, second place in the group wouldn’t bother me in the least. In fact, I’d relish qualification all the more seeing Italy out.) But give this to Domenech: He builds a squad to win, and not not to lose. 1-2 in Ukraine.

I would love to see France fall flat on their face so their enormous heads will deflate. Scotland may win with luck but they’ll have to do a hell of a lot more than what they did against France to beat Buffon. If Italy score first Scotland are done, two goals is asking a little much.

I wish both Italy AND Scotland could have been eliminated. That would have been great. But I guess I’ll have to settle for one of two.

Scotland should have been eliminated long ago but France was so incompetent they had to lose to them twice. Now everyone with a Scotland jersey is having dilusions of grandeur. Thanks France, you really disserve to be out and Scotland should go through.

It continues to stun me why Trezeguet is still not called up. You cannot have a better first half of a season in a league that is definitely a step above French ligue 1. Yes, there is alot of competition for the striker position. Anelka, Henry, Benzema,Govou,wait….Govou? I like the guy and all but it seems that Domenech is doing everything possible to keep Trezeguet off the team.

funny how the cookie crumbles fred…eh?