Starting Lineup, and the Place to Leave Comments During the Game

UPDATE: L’Equipe is reporting that Peguy Luyindula will start on the wing, with Henry up top and no Benzema! Now this could get interesting.

New lineup: Mandanda – Sagna, Squillaci, Gallas, Evra – Toulalan, L. Diarra – Luyindula, Gourcuff, Ribéry – Henry.

Maxifoot is listing the following starting lineup:

Mandanda – Sagna, Squillaci, Gallas, Evra – Toulalan, L. Diarra – Ribéry, Gourcuff, Henry – Benzema

Raymond is tinkering with the centerbacks, giving Squillaci a shot. Probably because Mexès has the potential to be brilliant, yet still scares the living hell out of every thinking person, given that he plays every second as a red card waiting to happen.

Other than that, with the possible exception of leftback (didn’t Abidal start last month?) I think this is precisely the same lineup he used against Argentina. Because that worked so well.

I wouldn’t be so frustrated about this lineup if Raymond had shown any capacity to analyze the game as it goes along, substituting out non-performers. But…no. I’ll be surprised if he makes two substitutions, no matter how badly the game goes.

Am I being pessimistic?

Interesting points from Gaël Clichy in an interview this week on playing with the NT. I’ll search out the link later, but he basically said that he feels he has very little freedom to get forward for France, because so much is required of him defensively and one tiny mistake could cost them a chance at qualifying. And that this definitely constrains his play.

No pressure, guys.

Here in the US, the game is on TV5Monde if you subscribe. (Listed on the west coast schedule as showing at 12:37. Yes, I’m serious.) Otherwise be sure to check out myp2p.eu for illicit streams.

And if you’re watching near (or on) your computer, be sure to stop by here and leave thoughts as the game progresses.