Blue versus Red
Posted on | June 26, 2006 | No Comments
They weren’t supposed to meet so early. Yet fate brought them together. Perennial arch-rivals Spain and France will go head-to-head in the round of 16 ; a match which will see one of the two biggies eliminated from the tournament. Things between the two countries are not very rosy. Spain boss Luis Aragones made racist remarks against Henry in order to “spur Reyes to do better.” Certainly, his words have not gone down well with the Les Blues and revenge is on the cards.
Spain News: Spain have been in supreme form in their group games, thrashing everybody in sight. But with France, it will be a completely different ball-game. The French possess serious pace up-front and the Spanish defence will have their work cut out keeping the French at bay. Torres, Villa, , Puyol, Casillas are all expected to be back in the eleven. Joaquin who impressed greatly, in the win against the Arabs, might replace Luis Garcia on the right flank.
The Talisman: Raul. The captain has been bruised and battered in the recent past. But great players choose big occasions to prove their worth, don’t they?
France have been very unlucky in my opinion. Its not that they haven’t played flowing football; its just that their finishing has let them down at crucial junctures. With Henry scoring in two consecutive games now,France will be hoping that he slots home any chances against the Spanish.
France team: Zinedine Zidane will be back in the midfield for this crucial encounter after missing the game against Togo . Perhaps Ribery or even Trezeguet could make way for him. Florent Malouda looks strong in midfield and is a potent attacking threat. Eric Abidal will reclaim his spot in defence replacing Mikael Silvestre.
The Talisman: Thierry Henry. He has been accused of not playing as well for his country as he does for Arsenal.But the ex Juve player can be lethal with his finishing on his given day and is always a potential match winner.Spain will be wary of him.
I see: A different result; a result that not many can think of. France to win this. Spain are favourites given recent form but France will not want to see Zinedine Zidane bow out in tears. And what will be better than the mercurial genius inspiring Raymond Domenech’s side into the quarters.But the French will have to pull up their socks,otherwise it will be Au Revoir to Zidane and his team.
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