France announce squad for Austria/Serbia World Cup qualifying games

Raymond Domenech today released his list of 22 players for the two upcoming World Cup qualifying clashes with Austria (in Vienna on September 6th) and Serbia (Stade de France on September 10th).

Not really any surprises, but Boumsong is dropped and Abidal recalled (even though he’s still suspended for the Austria game). No one really knows if Abidal would go straight back into the starting lineup, say in place of Evra, so the Austria game will give Patrice one more chance to make it impossible for Doms to drop him (which you would think was obvious given that this new attacking play totally suits Evra more, but never you mind). If anything Abidal provides decent cover at left-back and centre-back. Squillaci is also back in for more training groun depth. The Rod Fanni (Rennes) even keeps his squad place, though it’s unlikely he’ll get his first cap.

Ben Arfa and Nasri (2 goals in 3 games for Arsenal) are back in, let’s hope Nasri stays fit for the next few weeks.

Interestingly, Makelele is left off the squad. Even though he’s retired internationally (for the second time) Domenech made it very clear he does not adhere to such things when he sent Makelele a notice of his possible call-up. Doms followed that up in the press by saying that he’s the one who chooses who plays and who doesn’t, not the players. Technically he’s right, players cannot refuse international call-ups if they are fit. Of course, a player’s motivation and fitness come into play, so Doms isn’t about to call up any old dude. And it always seemed that Maks was a bit torn…so whether he’s been left off due to his fitness or if aks has finally told Doms “enough if enough” is anyone’s guess. Again, great opportunity for someone else to cement a place. I’m not sure we’ve the last of Maks though, Doms also said he values his experience and that it could be needed in the squad. Does that mean a possible bit-part role for Maks in the future? Possibly…

Keeper-wise, Mandanda and Lloris are still 1-2, respectively. With Coupet playing back-up at Atletico Madrid and Frey taking his international retirement (after 2 measly caps–thanks for nothing Seb), those 2 young keepers could be locked in a duel from now till South Africa.

Squad:

Keepers: Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (FC Barcelona), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), William Gallas (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Philippe Mexès (AS Roma), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Sevilla)
Midfielders : Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Strikers: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Lyon)

Sweden 2 France 3 — Friendly result

Sacré bleu!

Not 1, not 2, but 3 goals for our boys in blue!!! My oh my, how long has it been since that has happened?! Almost a year to be exact!!! Not since a 6-0 drubbing of our part-time buddies the Faroes Islands have we put 3 goals past an opponent. And before that, you have to go back to the 3-1 win over Italy about 2 years ago…this blog didn’t even exist then!

Start of a new era? The players and coaches would have you believe it. I suppose it’s a start but let’s stay realistic. Optimistic but realistic.

We’ve still got defensive issues, that’s for sure. And to me it’s team defending, not just the back 4.

Before we get too into it,

Team Line-up for Game Against Sweden

Here’s the line-up that Domenech has announced:

Mandanda

Sagna, Mexes, Gallas, Evra

Govou, Toodles, L. Diarra, Malouda

Henry (c), Benzema

Really cool to see Sagna in there, but otherwise not too adventurous from Domenech. I really hope that he doesn’t think that Diarra and Toodles are going to be his new Makelele and Vieira, ’cause Toodles is a poor man’s Vieira (and really much better used in a different capacity) and Diarra can be a lot more useful than simply a Makelele player.

And Malouda. Well, if that punk knows whats good for him he’ll play his heart out or he won’t set foot on that pitch. I’ve never been driven to hate-mail but Malouda is pushing me close.

-J.P. de Rosnay

France vs Sweden Preview

The preparation for the World Cup starts here.

The Euros? What happened? I’ve forgotten. Thats over. Lets look forward to the next two years and hopefully a good summer in 2010!

And, boy, have we got a squad of talent to work with! So I’m really looking forward to seeing how our team evolves. It’s also going to be interesting to see what Domenech does. Stephane and I, while not disciples of the man, have faith that he can do a good job. Whether he will or not will soon become apparent. At the very least, however, he’s certainly a man with a few ideas in that curly-topped head of his!

It’s rather odd playing so early, however. Football in August?! I’m still thinking about cricket! Its going to be weird seeing our boys so soon again and I hope they’ve all had good summers and are suitably refreshed.