France vs Netherlands preview

Posted on | June 12, 2008 | No Comments

France need to pull up their socks after a poor opening game performance against Romania when they face the Netherlands in Berne. The goalless draw against Romania means that if France lose this game, their fate is hanging by a thread. However they do have the opportunity of seeing Italy play first, and if the Azzurri win, there is greater pressure on France to perform well.

France looked uncreative and sluggish against a resolute Romanian side. Attacks were predictable, and there was no special move that you would come to expect from a team that consists of some of the best attacking players on the continent. The French media has urged Domenech to make changes, with Patrice Evra and Francois Clerc likely to come in for Eric Abidal and Willy Sagnol respectively. Thierry Henry is likely to make a return to the first team at the expense of Nicolas Anelka. Domenech has to decide whether to start with Benzema or have Govou or Nasri in the starting XI. There are numerous combinations that France can adopt- a 4-4-2, or even a 4-2-3-1. Domenech might choose the latter, given that the Dutch defence is probably their weakest link. However Holland’s speed, combined with the slow response time of the French defence, could see France being hit on the break if they throw too many men forward.

Holland produced one of the displays of the tournament when they sent world champions Italy packing 3-0 in their opening game. Even without several first choice players, the Dutch played some excellent football, and going by the opening results in Group C, they walk into this game as favourites. Arjen Robben is back from injury, and should take Dirk Kuyt’s spot on the right. Orlando Engelaar had a good game against Italy, and he should keep his spot. France also have to contend with the wily Wesley Sneijder, who is slowly developing into a world class player. Then there is Rafael van der Vaart, to whom giving space would be akin to committing suicide. Sagnol and Abidal are likely to be dropped because of the Dutch strength in attack. France seem ageing, dour and slow, and the Dutch are definitely speedier and more creative.

While pronouncing the Dutch the favourites, one must not forgot the 2006 World Cup quarterfinal, where an ageing France defied all the odds to beat Spain 3-1. However there is one major difference- no Zinedine Zidane. This game will probably end in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Van Nistelrooy and Henry.

Related posts:

1. France vs Italy preview
2. Scotland vs France
3. France vs Romania preview
4. France vs Mexico preview- Group A
5. Netherlands vs Romania preview

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