Euro 2008 - Day 3: France Can't Connect As They Pick Up A 0-0 Draw Against Romania
June 9th 2008 21:49
Despite having several new additions to their team for the tournament, the French still have the bad habit of coming out flat against second-tier teams. Pitted against a defensive Romanian squad, the French were boring, desperately in need of an offensive spark to wake them up. Nicolas Anelka was simply ineffective in attack as he tried to do it all by himself. His partner in front, Karim Benzema had a slightly better game, though it seemed like his passes were always destined to Ribéry and no one else. Speaking of which, France's playmaker was almost invisible except for some flashes here and there. Effectively neutralized by the Romanian defense, he often waited for the ball to come to him instead of coming back to offer himself as an option for his teammates.
As for the Romanians, they mostly stuck to defending for a large part of the game. Their rare attacks led by Adrian Mutu were easily neutralized by France's experienced defensive corps in Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, and Abidal. The game was more of a defensive showcase for both teams than anything else. The Romanians will be very happy with the draw as it will probably keep them in the running for one of the two top spots. However, they'll have to look out for yellow cards as they already have three players carded. France, on the other hand, will have to regroup and present themselves as a team for the next game instead of a group of individuals.
My man of the match: I'll go out on a limb here and select the entire Romanian defense as the man of the match. Romania's defenders didn't leave much space to the French forwards including midfielders Malouda and Ribéry who thrive in open space.
As for the Romanians, they mostly stuck to defending for a large part of the game. Their rare attacks led by Adrian Mutu were easily neutralized by France's experienced defensive corps in Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, and Abidal. The game was more of a defensive showcase for both teams than anything else. The Romanians will be very happy with the draw as it will probably keep them in the running for one of the two top spots. However, they'll have to look out for yellow cards as they already have three players carded. France, on the other hand, will have to regroup and present themselves as a team for the next game instead of a group of individuals.
My man of the match: I'll go out on a limb here and select the entire Romanian defense as the man of the match. Romania's defenders didn't leave much space to the French forwards including midfielders Malouda and Ribéry who thrive in open space.
| 50 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
