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Viva la Espana! Champions of Europe!

Re-live the Euro 2008 Championship by selecting a match below or visiting the dedicated site Euro2008TV.com for articles, photos, and video highlights of your favorite team.

 

France Euro 2008 Online Streams and TV Schedules

#Date	Time (US/Eastern)	Match	Result	Stage	Venue
Jun-09	11:50am	Romania - France	0:0	Group C	Zurich
Jun-13	02:30pm	Netherlands - France	4:1	Group C	Berne
Jun-17	02:30pm	France - Italy	0:2	Group C	Zurich

France at Euro 2008

	Group C France Italy Netherlands Romania View all group C details

A brave new post-Zizou world

When Zinedine Zidane trudged off the field after that infamous World Cup Final head-butt, France knew they would be entering a period of uncertainty. Sure, the country has a plethora of footballing talent, but ‘Zizou’ represented the apotheosis of French football in the last two decades.  His virtuoso performance at the 1998 World Cup Final and his exquisite skill during both Euro2000 and World Cup 2006 will forever be etched in the memory of every French football fan.  Coping with the loss of such a player posed a huge problem for coach Raymond Domenech.   Much to his credit, Domenech rejuvenated the side with the introduction of Lyon’s young forward Karim Benzema and Nicolas Anelka.  He has built the creative side of his team around Bayern Munich’s playmaker Franck Ribery, who emphatically announced his arrival on the world stage during the World Cup in Germany.  The French seem to have an inexhaustible source of outstanding players, a point underlined by Domenech’s decision to drop David Trezeguet and seamlessly introduce new options. France are in the ‘Group of Death’ at Euro2008, but they will be confident of going to the next round.  They definitely have the perfect combination of talent and experience to see off the Netherlands and Romania.  Old foes Italy, however, will pose a much sterner test—not least because of the fraught history between the two teams.

How France qualified

France lost twice to Scotland, but managed to beat World Champions Italy in Paris, and then drew them in the return game.  They finished second to the Azzurri, and should be more than satisfied with their relatively straightforward qualifying campaign.

How France  play

Domenech’s preferred formation is a 4-3-1-2. Ribery is the playmaker behind the front pairing of Thierry Henry and Anelka, though Sidney Govou or Benzema can deputize for the latter. Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele and Florent Malouda are the regulars in midfield, while Willy Sagnol, William Gallas, Lilian Thuram and Abidal line up in defence. Lyon’s Gregory Coupet is the first choice goalkeeper.

About the coach

Arrogant and obnoxious, Domenech has ruffled many feathers in the football world.  He caused controversy when he accused Italy of fixing matches at the under-21 level.  Despite his insistence that he was telling the truth, he was unable to provide sufficient evidence for his claims, and UEFA suspended him for one game and tacked on a fine for good measure.  Quite apart from his unpleasant demeanour are his brilliant coaching skills. He took France all the way to the Final of the 2006 World Cup, when it had looked they were a spent force.

Key players

Claude Makelele- A defensive midfielder Domenech cannot do without. Makelele appeared in eleven qualifying matches. His tough presence is crucial for the French. Franck Ribery- Zidane’s heir in the national team. A technically gifted playmaker, who scores goals as well.

Star player

Thierry Henry- He has enjoyed mixed fortunes on the international stage, but Henry remains France’s most exciting player. Despite being 30, he still has pace and deadly finishing.

Verdict

France have an excellent team going into Euro2008.  Scotland, however, did expose their weaknesses during the qualifiers. It seems that a stern opposition defence seems to frustrate the French.  Despite their weaknesses, France will probably make it to the semi-final stage.

Article by Hasan Saiyid

France Euro 2008 News

• Soccer: Austria and France hope to exorcise Euro demons (The New Zealand Herald)Austria and France want to wipe out some bad memories from the European Championship when they open their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Saturday.
• Football: France suffer catastrophic World Cup start (Channel NewsAsia)VIENNA: France were outplayed 3-1 by little Austria, just 101st in the world, for a catastrophic start to their 2010 World Cup campaign to throw up further questions marks over coach Raymond Domenech.
• France coach Domenech under pressure after 3-1 loss to Austria (Canadian Press via Yahoo! News) CLAIREFONTAINE, France - The pressure is building on France coach Raymond Domenech after a humiliating 3-1 loss to Austria gave Les Bleus a dismal start in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
• Domenech defiant despite defeat (TeamTalk via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Sport)Raymond Domenech refused to press the panic button after seeing France sink to a 3-1 defeat to Austria in their opening World Cup qualifier.Domenech was fortunate to survive the axe following Les Bleus' dismal Euro 2008 campaign this summer, and there is speculation he was given a minimum points requirement from the French Football Federation (FFF) of five from the first three qualifiers.
• Domenech under pressure as France losses (Fox Sports)The pressure is building on France boss Raymond Domenech after a humiliating loss to Austria in World Cup qualifying.
• Football / 2010 World Cup qualifer: Evra to give “300 percentâ€� for France (The New Straits Times)PARIS: Manchester United defender Patrice Evra says he will give "300 percent" effort to propel France to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
• Mexes takes blame for embarrassing France defeat (Daily Mirror)CLAIREFONTAINE, France (Reuters) - Defender Philippe Mexes said on Sunday he was to blame for France's humiliating 3-1 defeat by Austria in a World Cup qualifier.