Comments on: World Cup Playoff First Leg: Ireland 0, France 1

By: Kxevin

Kxevin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:16:06 +0000

I even found a place selling the new France shirts, but they don’t have the long-sleeved version. There are two versions of the shirt: the regular one, for civilians who are probably not, shall we say, match fit, and the TechFit (available in a limited-edition short sleeve for $150USD), for those who are match fit, or have a very positive body image.

I’ve e-mailed my various vendors about availability of the long-sleeved version and they all say the same thing: Not bloody likely.

Now. Who the hell is streaming the match today? I can’t believe that TV5 isn’t going to show it, but they aren’t. I’ve checked ESPN360 as well, and they aren’t, either.

By: Jean-Michel

Jean-Michel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:03:25 +0000

I was a bit harsh on our side when I first commented. I remain optimistic about our chances today. Go ahead Domenech, be a bad ass and field the same squad. I support you. Go Team!

By: princedesparcs

princedesparcs — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:11:53 +0000

The Anelka/Gourcuff argument is compelling, esp. given what happened Saturday, but why is Gourcuff more influential and France better able to hold shape when the Breton is paired with marauding Ribery? I just think that was a bad game for him, due at least in part to the Irish. The French need better and quicker touches than they got/had last week. And a resolute Lloris and center back pairing.

Curious, but somehow very cool, that all of it comes down to 90 minutes in Paris. But sn’et pas 4×20-quatorze and I just don’t see this squad losing this game.

By: Foreverzidane

Foreverzidane — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:30:55 +0000

I’ve seen a number of you declaring the goal as LUCKY!
So then the glaring miss by Gignac should be labeled as UNLUCKY!
I just don’t get all this criticism of Anelka whom for a change seemed
quite interested and in tuned to the match. You wanted creativity? He did
cause quite the havoc with Henry on the Irish defense during the second
half! Which match were you guys watching? If it wasn’t for his leadership even that Goal that many of you are calling lucky (dismissing all the build up and technical superiority and domination in the second half) then it would have remained a scoreless draw. Which outcome would most prefer?

By: GlancingHeader

GlancingHeader — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:39:29 +0000

I agree completely with Benj. Anelka’s playing deep may have helped in the match in Dublin but it is not the right system. It distorted the team’s shape: it squeezed Gourcuff out and left lots of space on the right for the opponent’s winger. It was only a remedy to compensate for the fact that Lass does not have the passing range out of defense. Something needs to be done there.

By: lefutur

lefutur — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:48:39 +0000

^^ agree with all of this

By: Benj

Benj — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:19:44 +0000

A few comments on the Anelka – Henry duo working from midfield during the game:

1) It was not good “coaching”. In fact it wasn’t coaching at all, as Anelka said that he and Henry decided during the game to come down to get the ball. Actually, this shows how little influence Dom has on the team. The senior players decide what to do and the others work around them.

2) In my opinion, it did not open things up that much. The goal was lucky, a half chance at best. It did help France keep possession, which was more important after the goal than before it.

3) It limited Gourcuff’s touches in midfield.

4) It forced Sagna to play as winger and gave Duff a lot more space on the counter.

5) He probably felt he had to do it because Lass and Alou can’t really create chances for others. Unfortunately, when you have nobody up top, there’s nobody to create chances for.

So in my opinion, it didn’t really solve anything. I’ve said this before, but they need more creativity in the center of midfield. They are going to have to be a lot better tomorrow. Lightning doesn’t strike twice.

Gignac was great by the way. He was isolated most of the game and worked his ass off. I hope he starts in Paris if he’s not too tired from the last game.

By: lefutur

lefutur — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:03:40 +0000

Sandrahn, I know its so ridiculous. I’m sure its nuch easier to cancel one of those “hideaways” if the team doesnt qualify than it would be to find a decent place to stay if you wait until you qualify to make a reservation.

By: Jean-François

Jean-François — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:51:03 +0000

arrogant french. at least we have some arrogance for once, and for a good reason.

By: sandrahn

sandrahn — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:40:33 +0000

lefutur, that report is idiotic. If they really think that France is the only country not yet qualified to have booked a place in S. Africa in advance, they’re clueless. The article is just making hay of this francophobic obsession. Argentina chose their HQ in S. Africa a long time ago, way before they were qualified. So did Mexico, who were only qualified a couple of months ago.