Duo shine despite French frustration
Sunday, June 1, 2008
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France look to have settled on a side for UEFA EURO 2008™ that will feature both Karim Benzema and Franck Ribéry, despite drawing 0-0 with Paraguay.
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Roles reversed
The duo put in the most convincing French performances during the goalless friendly draw in Toulouse, alleviating some of the ongoing concerns relating to the fitness of captain Patrick Vieira. Olympique Lyonnais striker Benzema and FC Bayern München's Ribéry carved out most of the best chances in the first period, with the latter operating on the right wing and setting up his 20-year-old colleague for a shot against the post. The roles were then inverted when Benzema turned provider for a Ribéry effort that flew narrowly wide.
Hunger and form
"Myself and Karim have a good understanding," said Ribéry, no doubt hoping to develop that relationship in France's UEFA EURO 2008™ opener against Romania in Zurich on 9 June. "We get on well on the pitch and off it also." Both players left the action before the end, with Sidney Govou coming on for Ribéry and striking the woodwork, while Benzema was replaced by Nicolas Anelka, but both looked hungry and in good shape for the challenges ahead. They also looked capable of contesting the whole 90 minutes as Les Bleus' 700th international headed towards stalemate.
Vieira injury
That is more than can be said for Vieira, with the FC Internazionale Milano midfielder's left thigh injury showing no signs of improvement since he was forced to cut short training on Friday. Medical doubts notwithstanding, coach Raymond Domenech tried to ease the worries of the country's fans on Sunday by stating: "We still have 23 players in the squad and they're all preparing for the game on 9 June." Vieira, who turns 32 on 23 June, has nonetheless been carrying out his preparations away from the rest of the squad and without a ball at his feet.
Henry landmark
Filling in for the former Arsenal FC man against Paraguay, Jérémy Toulalan put in another faultless display, while the captain's armband went to Thierry Henry. France now face a final preparation match against Colombia in Paris on Tuesday, when FC Barcelona striker Thierry Henry will win his 100th international cap if he features. "We'll have a clearer idea of our starting eleven after that game," Henry said.
