Euro 2008 - Romania v France

First match of the group for France and the team is already under pressure as 3 points against « less strong » Romania are almost a must in the quest of qualification. But those group’s opening round are always tricky, especially for France who are slow starters under Domenech. Moreover, Romania, may be the underdog and the underdog always play well in the first game as at this moment of the competition they still have their chances to proceed.

France will be without captain Vieira and Thierry should start from the bench, as Domenech will field a 4-4-2 line up with Anelka/ Benzema up front, knowing that they have to score goals in that game. In another preview, I wrote how worried I am about this team. Recent friendlies show how rubbish is France team at the moment without Zidane, as Malouda is clearly underplaying compared to his 06 form. Anelka and Benzema have spent few minutes together on the field and it’s difficult to find complicity in a short span of time.

Romania, according to latest news, is going to field a pretty defensive line up with 3 defensive mid fielders that will try to cut the Ribery/Benzema axis. We all know how strong they are in that part of the field; drawing 0-0 in Holland is a good proof of those capacities.

France have always had problems against that kind of organization, listing all the games would take me 3 pages, and even considering the best scenario, and I can’t see how it will be different this afternoon. Romania will defend and opt for a counter attacking approach with Mutu and Niculae up front, but France looks good defensively with Toulalan and Makelele who are great at cutting counter attacks because they can place themselves at the right positions. I guess that the more times goes by, the more frustrated France’s striker will be.

In my opinion this game is bound to go under, as one goal -if there is one- should decide everything.



Pick : Under 2
Odds : 1.84
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Ladbrokes
Match Result : 0-0
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