France and Paraguay share goalless draw

It was strangely reminiscent of the last time we played the Paraguans, when we had to rely on the first ever golden goal to win. The teams then and now couldn’t be more different, however, with the 98 Paraguayian team having the tightest defence in the World Cup, and their French opponents known more for their passing fluency than their goal scoring prowess.

Tonight’s match saw a Paraguay team best known for their two centre forwards and a French side that have been transformed from a team of midfielders and defenders to one that boasts a striking array which is the envy of Europe. And yet, despite both teams’ attacking prowess, neither could get a breakthrough and, as in the World Cup 2nd Round game 10 years ago, at 90 minutes the score was 0 – 0.

Nevertheless, this was a good game for France. They dominated throughout and played with verve and fluency. Hold on – did I just say verve? Yes I did. Tonight France were dynamic and energetic. This wasn’t the relaxed kick-about in the park that we’re so used to seeing from them – this was a game with cut and thrust and penetration. Oh, and running.

Final France squad for Euro 2008

Almost certain to go home after the Ecuador game, Bafetimbi Gomis’ brace last night has won him a place in Domenech’s squad for Euro 2008. And judging from those goals, if the man plays near that level in the tournament then his place is more than deserved!

But if Gomis is in, who’s out?

France power past Ecuador in 2nd half – 2-0

It took a while, 59 minutes to be exact, but France finally brushed aside their South American opposition behind 2 powerful goals from substitute Bafetimbi Gomis. The goals were his first for France as the 22 year old Stephanois celebrated his first cap. He must surely be included in the final 23.

Ecuador proved good competition: they displayed technique, a strong physical presence and some serious chances. The best of these came late in the first half when

Champions League French player report card

It was good to see 4 French players playing in the Champions League final last night and, but for Anelka (who came on very late as a sub), they all had an opportunity to play an integral part in the match.

So how did our boys perform on the biggest stage in club football?

Malouda

Yawn. Really, the man shouldn’t have bothered turning up. There was the usual odd moment where he put in the sumptuous cross or passed his man with ease, but those moments were sadly very rare…

Its becoming an all too familiar site for us French supporters. He was athletic and looked like a thoroughbred, but when Chelsea needed him to be charging down the flanks like a race horse he jogged around like he was doing dressage.

Prelimary Euro 2008 France squad revealed

In a press conference yesterday, Raymond Domenech announced a list of 30 players–one more than the 29 he previously claimed he would select–that will train with a view to making the final squad for the Euros. That number will be cut down to 23 on the 28th of May, 12 days before Les Bleus’ first game vs Romania on Monday, May 9th. It seems those on the fringes of that final squad of 23 will have to make an impression during the May 27th friendly vs Ecuador. France will have 2 more friendlies after that match.

The 30 players are:

Domenech to unveil provisional Euro 2008 squad

Raymond Domenech announced earlier this week that he will be unveiling a list of 29 players on Sunday, May 18th, at 10:00am BST. The 29 players will participate in a training camp in Tignes and be eligible for the upcoming warm up matches (see Fixtures list). According to Domenech, “all 29 players have a chance to make the final squad for the final phase”. Domenech will have to reduce that number to a final squad of 23 players before the start of the Euros.

The French daily L’Equipe released today a “pre-list” of 55 players from which the 29 will be chosen.

They are: