Euro 2008 - France vs Romania

Yesterday France epitomised what a lack of passion can do to a team with an abundance of talent. It would not be unfair to suggest that France bottled it in their opening game. When the draw was made, and the 'Group of Death' was created, everyone was looking forward to seeing three of the better sides in Europe slug it out to win the Group. France, quite fittingly, appeared to open the group waving a white flag in surrender to Holland and Italy.

I feel it is a great shame that France did not come out with a positive attitude. They are well organised, they spread the ball around the park quickly and efficiently, and their movement will be difficult for even the top defences to handle. Their system is nearer a 4-2-4 than a 4-4-2, with Malouda and Ribery roaming around, often coming infield, and Malouda attempting dashing runs through the middle. This is well complemented firstly with Benzema and Anelka upfront, who in turn make themselves available outwide, and find any available space to collect the ball, and secondly with Abidal and Sagnol always looking to support from full-back. This system puts a lot of pressure on just Toulalan and Makelele in midfield, who would almost certainly get overrun by any three man midfield of quality, but if France can keep the ball like they do this should never be too much of a concern.

Romania's performance was typical of the outsider in such a competitive group. If they can hold on for a couple of draws, and perhaps hope for a bit of luck, or just that the other three keep taking points of each other, they could scrape through.

France Coach Raymond Domenech now believes they must beat Holland and Italy to progress, which is not unachievable, but they will certainly need to raise their game... and find some passion. France will hope that Henry's return will be the difference.