Euro 2008 Preview : France
The first look at Group C which will be commonly referred to by the media as the group of death. This Euro 2008 squad is a changing of the guard for France. Gone are Zinedine Zidane, Fabian Barthez and David Trezeguet. Now the centre piece of the French national team is Bayern Munich midfield wizard Frank Ribery.
Clip from France 3-1 victory vs Italy in Euro 2008 qualifying.
French coach Raymond Domenech is back, trying to accomplish what he just failed to do in the previous World Cup and that is lead France to victory. While Domenech has never met a 1-0 lead he didn’t try to hold on to for dear life, he should be commended for the fine coaching job he did at that tournament.
Like most I have a lot of respect for the France national team. After the failure of not making the 1994 World Cup they over hauled the system which has resulted in a generation on stars that are about to make there mark at either Euro 2008 or the 2010 World Cup.
The French have almost an embarrassment of riches in every position. They have talented young players such as Franck Ribéry, Lassana Diarra, Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema, and Bafetimbi Gomis who scored two goals in his debut this week. All of them 25 years and younger. They are mixed in with the likes of William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Willy Sagnol, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makélélé, and Thierry Henry. Each of whom are battle tested on the big stage.
This French team is star studded. Even with all the players I have named there are the likes of Patrice Evra, and Florent Malouda that Domenech has at his disposal.
Key Player – Frank Ribery
While no one player can fill the shoes left by Zinedine Zidane, Ribery will come the closest to do so. Bayern Munich resurgence to the top of Germen football was fuel by Ribery terrorizing Bundesliga defenders all season long. He broke out at the 2006 World Cup and can cement his status amongst the games elite with another performance come Euro 2008.
Group C Outlook
Yes, I know I’ve spent the entire article prising this French team. While they were deserving of making the World Cup finals they were under the radar going into the tournament. After losing in the first round of the 2002 World Cup and bowing out in the quarterfinal stage at Euro 2004 this French side wasn’t the choice of many to make it to finals. That will all change. They are now the hunted instead of the hunter going into Euro 2008. Teams will be ready for them come Euro 2008 especially in a group with such talent in it. While France may boost the best lineup 1-23 only 11 players can play at one time.
Sinnacle Prediction 3rd in Group C
May 29th, 2008 at 8:29 am
No one ever gives Trezeguet credit, who has been in better form then Henry this season.
May 30th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I agree trezeguet should be in the squad i don’t why he isn’t more loved in france hes in good form, scored the winner in the 2000 championship and is their third top scorer he should be a living legend there but he barely got a look in in the last world cup and now he isn’t even in the squad when plenty of people of his age have been included. I mean france didn’t let makalele retire but they can’t seem to wait to get rid of trezeguet.