France
Leave a commentAfter consecutive group stage exits and mutinies in Euro 2008 and WC 2010 respectively, Les Bleus look stable for the first time after the likes of Zidane and Henry retired. Having qualified fairly comfortably for the group stages, France are unbeaten in 18 games including opponents like Brazil and Spain. With some tipping them to reach the finals this time around, Les Bleus would be hoping not to disappoint.
Formation & Tactics
Hugo Lloris has established himself as No.1 for a fairly long time now and would be expected to continue the role ahead of Marseille’s Mandanda in the Euro’s. The backline looks a bit rugged; injury sustained by Sagna clears the path for Debuchy to occupy the role. A more than likely replacement for Sagna and seems like the only positive aspect of this defense. With Blanc preferring the pairing of Mexes and Rami in heart of defense, Arsenals Koscielny will be warming the bench for most of the tournament. The left back position is a highly contested spot with Evra and Clichy both vying for places and it seems like Evra has won the race which quite frankly is alarming. Defensively Evra has had a downward curve with Clichy going in the opposite (upward) direction and would cause more defensive problems with his lapses. Further upfield, the midfield has got good ball players. M’Vila who is brimming with potential will have chance to explode into the world stage if passed fit. He has a reputation of an enforcer who is a good passer of the ball. Alou Diarra is the likely replacement if M’Vila is not match fit. The other midfield role would be most likely occupied by Cabaye who after a fantastic season with Newcastle would be hoping to carry it on to the international stage. An excellent passer of the ball and equally deadly with set pieces Cabaye will be hoping to pull the strings in midfield. The attacking midfield role is a concern for France with Blanc preferring Malouda to play CAM. Though Marvin Martin is most suited to the position, his inexperience at the international stage would prove to be a major barrier. The front -3 are explosive and Blanc has plenty of options in these positions. Ribery, Nasri and Benzema are most likely to start with Menez and Valabuena offering stiff competition in these positions with the former having ended the season strongly with PSG. An alternative here would be to play Valabuena or Nasri in the CAM role putting Menez or Nasri or Valabuena in the wings and personally I would be going for this formation rather than Malouda.
Laurent Blanc has promised to play possession football rather than France’s more suited counter-attacking approach. In M’Vila, Cabaye, Nasri Ribery ,Benzema or even Debuchy and Evra/Clichy, he has the artillery to do so. Nasri, Ribery and Benzema are very dangerous and conjure chances out of nothing. With Benzema instead of Gomez in front of Ribery, he can be more assured that his hardwork will be eventually put away by Benzema rather than a wasteful Gomez. M’Vila and Cabaye are young, fresh and coming off impressive seasons with their respective clubs and have it in them to control the midfield. France are looking in good shape ahead of the Euros and are the outside favorites to win the tournament after Spain, Netherlands & Germany.
Star Player – Karim Benzema
From when he was a teenager, Karim Benzema has been tipped for greatness and come the Euro’s he has the perfect opportunity to do so. Skillful on the ball and a potent finisher, Benzema will have to shine if France are to pave their way into the Finals. After realizing his potential with Real Madrid last season, Karim has all the making for being the star of Euro 2012.
Prediction
Being placed with England, Sweden & Ukraine, Les Bleus are the favorites to top the group. A quarter final clash with Italy most likely, a spot in the Semi-Finals is ceartainly achievable.
Star Rating –4/5
Footy Focus 