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In one of the most hotly contested playoffs for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ukraine vs France will be a tricky affair, one that could possibly go down the wire. The opening game takes place in Kiev and there are a number of reasons why Didier Deschamps’ side will not be feeling confident about their chances of getting a right result in Ukraine.
Strong defence on both sides
France let in six goals in eight games during the group stages of the UEFA WCQ. Ukraine on the other hand, let in just four goals in 10 games. Moreover, Ukraine defended consistently well in a group containing the likes of England, Poland and Montenegro, three sides that boast some of the best strikers in Europe at the moment.Apart from Spain, France faced more or less teams of a lesser stature in the shape of Belarus, Georgia and Finland.
Home advantage
With three wins, one draw and one defeat, Ukrainians were very strong at home with the solitary defeat coming at the hands of Montenegro back in 2012. Since then, the team has not lost a single game which bodes well for the home side. Moreover, the Ukrainians conceded just two goals at home and managed to keep clean sheets against England and Poland in Kiev.
Oozing with confidence and gaining momentum
Since that defeat against Montenegro, Ukraine went from strength to strength in the qualifiers and finished the group stages on a seven-game unbeaten run despite finishing second to England, just a point behind. Didier Deschamps should keep in mind that only a special performance will bring an end to the run and should not take the match lightly.
Yet another off the field issue dominates Clairefontaine
It is time for a truce as France gear up for the Ukrainian challenge. Once again, French public has been reminded of the regrettable player revolt that tainted their 2010 World Cup campaign after Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery lashed out at former players who are now television pundits.
Evra did not take legendary full-back Bixente Lizarazu’s views sportingly and described the World Cup winner’s actions reminiscent of “tramps lying to the French people”. Franck Ribery on the other hand, launched himself at former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier in the team dressing room following Les Bleus’ 6-0 mauling of Australia.
Houllier had made a backhanded compliment about the team's most important player and was quoted saying:
"Ribery is without doubt a technical leader - a very, very good player who's capable of making the difference and working for the rest of the team.”
"But he's not a world-class player who's going to make the team win like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo."
Houllier’s comments did not settle well with the Bayern Munich man, who according to France Football had to be restrained as he approached the former Aston Villa boss.
French football is definitely not without drama so this thing might still be fresh in the minds of all those concerned with Les Bleus and could even affect the team’s performance in Kiev.
