1-0 to Senegal Hats off to The Voice of Reason who called it. And let me eat some crow since I said that wouldn't happen.
France didn´t really look like the defending World Cup and European champs... I guess the most embarrassing moment was when they had an incredible 5 (!!!!) players offside in the second half. That´s ridiculous!
Viera did nothing to push forward with the ball from midfield. Since when is Wiltord a right winger? Senegal played good, quick to the ball. But France laid a huge egg today. Why did they play long ball the first half? The goal was a bad one to give up with Petit and Barthez not on the same page, much like the entire France squad.
Great effort by Senegal...but I don't think France has any real reason to worry. They were a tad unlucky with a few crossbars and posts...and they dominated the ball on offense. Barthez did all he could IMO...and they took the Senegal offense out of the game in the second half...but it is true that Les Blues did look a little uneasy...Zidane was needed Good thing that it was an exciting match...it was actually worth waking up at 6:30
wow, I just found this thread. yeah, I predicted it. most of Las Blues Offence flows through ZZ. missing him wouldnt kill them if they had more time to prepare without him. Also I think Henry(SP) played splendidly, but just couldnt make it work. something was off in their MOJO. I was really hoping the Senagal Long ball would have worked just once. I think everyone watching the game was building with anticipation every time they were off sides. which by the way really messed with france. they never really got flowing. france is a flowing team. the Lions are an attack counter attack, exploit a mistake type team. somehow this game was played at the lions pace. I now think however that they may rush ZZ back which would be a huge mistake, but you never know. Maybe if he just played half of next game. I would hate to see him re injured(at least they are not playing Uraguay) PEAECE oh, and 2 hours till kickoff EDIT: err 3 hours
France shouldn't have to rely on zizou against senegal. Viera is talented and can bring the ball forward out of midfield. He was invisible today, yesterday, whatever. So anyway, for my next fearless predictions. Cameroon 1 Ireland 0 Denmark 2 Uruguay 0 Germany 2 Saudi Arabia 0 Guess I should start a thread titled "World cup games(all results included)" Don't want to spoil the results for anyone watching the delayed broadcasts.
I love this French team...they have been an absolute joy to watch for the last four years. Once Zidane is back, I think they'll kick on again and make a run again. HOWEVER...holes are starting to appear. At the last world cup, their defence just held it all together. It peaked then...and needed replacing. Four years later and Lebeouf is still in the heart of their defence. That's a fatal weakness right there. Petit also has peaked. Combine this with the fact that the Arsenal guys look very tired...and they are vulnerable. The Uruguay game won't be easy...
