soccerage
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World Cup Preview: France V Denmark
The World and European champions are in trouble, real trouble! France came into this World Cup as favourites, but could be leaving as early as tomorrow and become the first reigning champions to be knocked out in the first round since Brazil in 1966.
I am sure there were not many people who would have predicted that Denmark would be in the driving seat going into their showdown with France, but that is very much the case. Roger Lemerre's supremely talented squad by their own admission are on the brink of failure and don't only need to beat Denmark, but must do so by two goals.
Denmark should rightly be fancying their chances of denying France their requirement of a two-goal victory as Les Bleus are yet to find the net at this World Cup and are without Thierry Henry.
Morten Olsen's side would have taken four points from their opening two games prior to the World Cup, and certainly during the matches themselves, as it took a late winner to beat Uruguay and they were hanging on to a point in the second half against Senegal.
The Danes suffered in the second half of their previous match against Senegal as a result of the heat and humidity that comes with an early kick off and they can expect the same conditions against France, although the French are unlikely to find the conditions much easier to deal with.
TEAM NEWS
The big question for France is whether Zinedine Zidane will put on his boots for the first time at this World Cup. His loss has been France's biggest blow and in an ideal World they would dearly have loved to have sealed their qualification by now so that the Real Madrid superstar could rest for another game. However, his team-mates failures look set to force him back in action, possibly prematurely, and at what cost remains to be seen.
The need for Zidane is increased by Emmanuel Petit's absence through suspension having been booked in both of their group matches. Henry is also suspended following his rash lunge against Uruguay that earned him a straight red card. Christoph Dugarry and Claude Makelele should come in for Henry and Petit, while Johan Micoud is likely to be the man who makes way for Zidane.
Barcelona's Philippe Christanval is tipped to be the man to replace Frank Leboeuf after the Marseille defended limped off with a hamstring injury against Uruguay, even though Vincent Candela was the man who replaced him in that match.
Denmark are in the fortunate position of having a full strength squad at their disposal. Olsen is unlikely to change his starting line-up, although Marin Jorgensen will be hoping for a place in the starting line-up, possibly at the expense of Dennis Rommedahl.
PROBABLE LINE UPS
France: 4-3-3 - Barthez; Lizarazu, Desailly, Christanval Thuram; Makelele, Vieira, Zidane; Wiltord, Trezeguet, Dugarry.
Denmark: 4-3-3 - Sorensen; Heintze, Henriksen, Laursen, Helveg; Tofting, Gravesen, Tomasson; Rommedahl, Sand, Gronkjaer.
WHO IS HOT
France's problem has been that nobody has been hot at this World Cup so far. Defensively they have been worryingly easy to breach, the midfield has lacked the creative inspiration of Zidane and Robert Pires, while the strike force hasn't had any conviction.
John Dahl Tomasson is living up to his nickname in Denmark of 'Jonaldo' with three goals in his two matches and the Milan bound player has been a constant threat. His future team-mates at the San Siro Thomas Helveg and especially Martin Laursen have been brilliant in defence and they will have to be on top form against France.
WHO IS NOT
David Trezeguet was many people's tip for the Golden Boot award during the build-up for the World Cup yet he hasn't hit the net and has rarely looked like doing so, especially against Uruguay.
As a whole Denmark have performed as well as could be expected of them and I wouldn't single out any player in particular as having had a poor World Cup. Schalke striker Ebbe Sand has been quiet in both of Denmark's matches, but that has had more to do with the service he has received. Dennis Rommendahl has also been a tad disappointing, as has Martin Jorgensen in both of his substitute appearances.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
History suggests the winner of Tuesday's match will go on to win the World Cup. In 1984 France beat Denmark 1-0 and went on to win the European Championships, as did Denmark in 1992 after they had beaten France 2-1 on route to success. France also beat Denmark on route to success in the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships.
In five friendlies between the teams both teams have won twice and there has been one draw between them. France won the last meeting 1-0 in 2001.
I am sure there will be no repeat of the first two meetings between these two nations in the 1908 Olympic games. Denmark won 9-0 and 17-0, although this World Cup has sprung a few major surprises, so who knows?
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a tear came to my eye!
scharatz
) to the usa heading home from the WC in the first round... ha ha ha 
. I`m sooooooooo happy. I hate da French team since Euro 2000. I hope the French continue with these results.
