France wary of a buoyant Dutch side

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-11  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

FRANCE, which started its Euro 2008 campaign with a dismal 0-0 draw with Romania and now faces an ultra-confident Dutch side, must improve dramatically if it is to advance to the quarterfinals.

With just one shot at goal in the entire match on Monday in Zurich, the 2006 World Cup runner-up looked short of class to stand a chance on Friday against the Netherlands.

Slow at the back, short of ideas in midfield and toothless in attack against unfancied opponent concentrating on defence, France looked nothing like the title contender it aspires to be.

A sluggish start is nothing new in big tournaments for France, which was held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in its first match at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but then recovered to advance to the final.

"This reminds me a bit of 2006," said striker Thierry Henry, who watched Monday's match from the bench because of a thigh injury. "We'll need to step up a few gears against the Dutch."

The difference is that two years ago, France's next opponents were the relatively modest South Korea and Togo, while now it must tackle Netherlands and Italy.

"It will be tougher than at the World Cup but we can still be optimistic," said fullback Willy Sagnol, who suffered in the Zurich heat.

"With five points we should be okay, which means we need four from our next two matches," he added. "It will not be simple but I can't imagine the Dutch will defend the way Romania did. Their playing style will suit us better."

The good news for coach Raymond Domenech is that his side, which did not concede a goal in its three warm-up games, again stood firm at the back.