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France looks wasteful in front of goal

TOULOUSE (France): Despite boasting some of Europe’s top strikers, France is showing an alarming wastefulness in front of goal ahead of the European Championship.

Although a strong defence and a steely midfield ensures France does not concede much, the lack of cutting edge up front could be a problem at this month’s tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Off-target

Karim Benzema, Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka all had good shooting chances against Paraguay, but none of them managed to even hit the target.

Against Ecuador, it was left to substitute Bafetimbi Gomis to seal the win with two goals after coming on as a substitute.

France coach Raymond Domenech remains in an optimistic mood, pointing out how well the chances were created, rather than how badly they were missed.

“There was speed, there was one-touch, two-touch play. I really got the impression that the players enjoyed it,” Domenech said after the Paraguay match. “We are solid, well organized, good going forward. Now, we have to finish.”

Thrilling like play

The link play between Benzema and Henry was at times thrilling against Paraguay, with Benzema’s exquisite touch underling why Manchester United and Real Madrid are eager to sign the 20-year-old Lyon forward with 31 goals this season.

While that is a selection headache most coaches would love to have, Domenech has more pressing problems because the fitness levels of several key players remains a big concern.

Captain Patrick Vieira limped out of Friday’s training session in Toulouse and did not play against Paraguay, as Domenech had hoped he would. Defender William Gallas also sat out after picking up a knock in training.

The 36-year-old Lilian Thuram, France’s oldest player, and Willy Sagnol, only recently back from a long-term knee injury, have been training apart from the rest of the squad with fitness coach Robert Duverne.

Runnig out of time

Domenech accepts that time is against Vieira, who has little more than a week to be ready to face Romania.

“The ninth is a bit late, so I hope by the seventh or eighth (of June),” Domenech said.

Lassana Diarra, Portsmouth’s FA Cup-winning midfielder, expressed concern that France’s team are not all “at the same level physically.” Still, he thinks Vieira will recover in time, even though he could take his spot if he does not.

“I’m not worried for Pat,” Diarra said. “He is a professional who knows his body well enough. I think he will be ready for June 9.”

Some positives

However, Domenech has some positives: Henry looked to be in good shape, and 35-year-old midfielder Claude Makelele was at his best in the first half against Paraguay, harrying his opposing midfielders and covering much ground.

The defense, led by backup pairing Jean-Alain Boumsong and Sebastien Squillaci, coped well against Paraguay, and goalkeeper Gregory Coupet reacted well when called into action. — AP

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