I think that Santini's declaration of his move to Spurs before the Euros could have an unsettling effect on France's performance. Also, the fact that a new coach will be coming in for the WC qualifying might spur on the likes of Zidane to a prompt retirement after the Euros. Also, the Swiss barely got by Lichtenstein over the weekend with a late goal. I hope they get a good trouncing by England.
Its hard to see how the Swiss will get anything from the games against England or France. I saw their match against Germany the other night and they were dreadful. This is the same German team that lost 5-1 to Romania and 0-2 to Hungary recently. It was difficult to watch as it only reminded me how sh1te we were against them.
Don't you want us to be overconfident going into qualifying? PS: If I remember correctly, Liechtenstein has held Ireland to a 0-0 tie before (in qualifying even I think) To be fair, we were completely in charge of the game until Bernt Haas decided to gift-wrap a goal for the Germans...
Not really, the Germans started a lot better. You did pick it up after about 15 mins for the rest of the first half without ever threatening too much, but you were the home team after all. The first goal was indeed a gift (why couldn't you have given us a few of those!!) and after that I felt Germany were in complete control. Very poor performance IMO. Don't get me wrong, unlike Fr Ted I'd love to see you do well against both France and England, but on the evidence of that match I'd be worried. PS your right about Lichenstein and Ireland, we drew 0-0 in a qualifing game once it what is probably consider our worst result ever.
Yes, Germany was in control and pressing hard for about 15 min, but after that nothing pointed to a German victory until they got the goal. If it weren't for Haas' screw up I don't think we would've lost the game (in fact, if Frei would've put in his big chance in the 1st half I think we would've won). I agree with you however, the team completely collapsed after the first goal and that is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed. Oh believe me - I am worried after that game against Liechtenstein. The only thing that comforts me is that we have a history of abysmal (and I mean abysmal) friendlies. That and the fact that we can play with little pressure since nobody expects anything from us and we've got noyhing to lose... Don't be too hard on yourself. England struggled in qualifying against them and Greece was also held to a rather narrow 2-0 victory in Vaduz last week. Liechtenstein hasn't been in pushover mood for a while now...
Our Lichtenstein result was at least a decade ago so I've gotten over it! Personally I hate playing teams like them and Luxembourg, Andorra etc. BTW don't their clubs play in the Swiss league?
That's correct. Liechtenstein is basically FC Vaduz enhanced (with about three extra players). Vaduz almost got promoted to the Swiss Super League this season and is the big favorite to go up next year. I think that explains some of the Liechtenstein "success" - the team is basically a club team. Once Vaduz plays in our top league they might even get stronger...
Frei's spitting incident against Eng-er-land and subsequent lying may end up costing him a 5 game suspension, discussed here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119044 Plus Stephane Chapuisat, goalkeeper and captain Joerg Stiel and midfielder Fabio Celestini have announced their international retirements: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2004/headlinenews?id=303759&cc=5739 We face the Swiss in our second qualifying game on September 8.
The French media is not too happy or impressed........... http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2004/feature?id=304165&cc=5739
I'm still worried by the fact we have to play the French. The way I see it is there'll be a new manager, new ideas and a fresh approach to the French team. Older liabilities like Desailly will be gone and the younger players will to impress the new coach will be immense. Before they lost to Greece they had only lost 1 competitive match under Santini which kinda shows they aren't all that bad.
Bans for a specific number of games never include friendlies. Bans for a time period (Ferdinand) usually, but not always, do.
Not yet....it's Lizrarzu... http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fbl_fra_lizarazu&prov=afp&type=lgns
hmm....au revior Zidane? translated.... full article: http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20040811_100926Dev.html
A moderator AND he speaks French!! Is there no end to your talents?? The support for Utd., however, makes you suspect.
And now it looks as if Makelele is gone. Y'know, I'm begining to wonder what with retirements, suspensions and injuries, will France be able to field a team at all? http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,14546,-4484419,00.html
http://www.eleven-a-side.com/worldcup2006/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=13505 Makeklele confirms his retirement.
Plus Patrick Vieira will miss the Paris game through suspension after being sent-off against the Faroes!
France are playing poorly right now. Now with Makelele retiring it looks like the golden generation is coming to its end. France have some good youngsters but maybe only good talent in 2 or 3 years..... I fancy you to get a result, especially after the 0-0 with Israel, France must step it up..... but there is still Pires, Henry, Vieira.....
Henry, Pires, Giuly, Rothen, Cisse, Trezeguet, Saha, Gallas............ They are still a class or two above us......... on paper.
More trouble in the French camp: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3645224.stm