[Metropolitan]

So let's discuss about Wednesday game. I've seen there wasn't a dedicated thread so I'm making one.

I'll actually be at the Stade de France to see the game. As I see it, Domenech should line up a very offensive team in order to target to win it 5-0 (moreover, as I'll be at the stadium, I want to enjoy the show ). Furthermore, I'm not sure Cypriot forwards would be that dangerous for our defenders (which I still consider as rather good).

We can expect Cyprus to play defensive, avoiding France to qualify would be a great victory for them. So what is the strategy France should use ? Do we need to stay in the back and play the counters to free more space or should we get a truely offensive team besieging Cyprus goalie ?

Let's discuss about it !

[Breakwood]

The only advice I have to give is : Start Cisse!!!!

[sl7vk]

Maybe it's time to recall Papin and Cantona to start up front.

My team would look something like this.....

----------------Coupet
Thuram---Blanc---Desailly---Gallas
--------Deschamps---Maka------
Zidane------------------------Platini
----------Cantona
-----------------Papin

[Metropolitan]

Wouldn't it be a waste to put Zidane and Platini on the wings ?

[sl7vk]

Originally Posted by Metropolitan

Wouldn't it be a waste to put Zidane and Platini on the wings ?

Well yes, but they would both have the liberty to roam towards the middle, with both maka and deschamps covering any attacks on the wings. I think this lineup would get Domenech's average team age to around 44. I think that would be a nice balance for the WC.

[gaijin]

Thankfully this match is on TV5....

[Amerikaki]

Well i was rooting for France against Switzerland but must now hope that Cyprus kicks your asses!!!!!!!

Probably not gonna happen but I have to hope!!

[lefutur]

I have a feeling Cyprus will be feeling confident after the game they had against Ireland. Irish played pretty poor but you also have to give credit to the Cypriots for piling on the pressure. Had it not been for Given's excellent saves it could easily have been a tie game.

[Nanbawan]

That's why France must concentrate on beating them first, they'll care about the scoring if they can. A win and we're not eliminated. Thinking that Cyprus is just a moving target would be an error, they can score.

Teams like Cyprus or the Feroe Islands are representing tiny countries, but with all those qualifying matches, their squad have been gathering a lot of experience, it's a little bit like Nimes (div III ?) who got used to playing big guns and usually get deep in the French Cup.

[Rima067]

Like I said in the Swiss match:

my recollection is us scoring 2 goals (Henry's only other anything in the qualifiers besides Ire v) and a triple save from Barthez.

So I don't know where this hammering is going to come from, but I doubt from us. I hope.. but I doubt.