France-Denmark could be a fascinating game, do or die for the much-vaunted Frenchmen. They will have Zidane back, but how fit will he be? How will he hold up under the weight of expectation?
We'll see.
I do think that injuries in the last game have left France a stronger side. The veteran defender LeBoeuf is out with a groin injury, but he's looked slow, vulnerable, and, pardon the expression, beefy from the start. His replacement, Philippe Christanval, is 21, tough, very fast, and had an excellent season with Barcelona, playing very much in the spotlight while having to cover for the injured Patrick Andersson. I'm surprised that he hasn't been brought in before.
Emmanuel Petit will be replaced by Claude Makalele, who is only the first-choice defensive midfielder for the best football team in the world. Not flashy, but a tough, aggressive ball-winner who isn't afraid to get physical. He's a perfect complement to the stylish Zidane, and since the two play together at Madrid they are well accustomed to each other.
Zidane, Makalele, and Viera make up a potentially dominant midfield.
Thierry Henry will be missed, especially given the need for goals.
Again, we'll see.
Germany-Cameroon will also be interesting.... |
