France finds itself in a group with Switzerland, South Korea, and Togo. Is this a good or bad group? This question has been debated since the draw. However, the French team, following its failure in 2002, is subject to all sorts of controversies and attracts more criticism than admiration. From naive bliss to unprovoked lynching, the team ignites strong opinions. This time, the media is questioning Domenech’s methods, including the decision to start Barthez as goalkeeper. The coach seems to be playing games with the media and prefers to protect his team by directly facing the journalists. The goal is clearly stated: to reach the finals.
The French selection, from the look of the friendly matches, is gaining momentum and reassurance. The defense is solid, the star Thierry Henry is in top form, only the midfield is worrisome with Patrick Vieira and Zinédine Zidane not at their best. They have just over a week to get in peak physical condition. The French group is homogeneous. Like in 2002, it feels like each team could put the French in difficulty. In 2002, they were paired with Denmark, a team of similar level to Switzerland, Uruguay, and Senegal, which had a somewhat similar style to Togo and South Korea, namely the antithesis of European-style play.
Switzerland is the team that instills fear. Our Swiss neighbors are increasingly troubling the French team. First, during the UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, and especially during the qualifiers where both teams could not separate themselves. The Swiss are progressing and can rely on a rigorous defense, alternatively led by the young Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou, teammates of Thierry Henry at Arsenal and Stéphane Grichting of Auxerre, and Patrick Müller of Lyon. The Swiss also frighten with their offensive realism, embodied by the Rennes striker, Alexander Frei. Other players to watch include right midfielder, Tranquillo Barnetta and the two defensive midfielders, Johan Vogel (AC Milan) and Raphaël Wicky (Hamburg). Raymond Domenech admitted to having nightmares about the Swiss team. And he is right to! This Swiss formation is well-balanced: young and experienced, solid and lively… In short, the Swiss will be formidable, and not only for Group G but also for the rest of the competition.
The South Koreans had impressed in 2002 by reaching the semi-finals. With their unique style, the Asian players roughed up Italy and Spain before falling honorably to Germany. Their gameplay was based on intense pressing and relentless running forward, not to forget their fans who had greatly encouraged their footballers. What remains four years later? It’s unknown. The coach has changed. Dutchman Dick Advocaat has replaced his compatriot Guus Hiddink. Some South Koreans have joined European clubs, like Lee Young-Pyo at Tottenham, Lee Eul-Yong at Trabzonspor, Seol Ki-Hyeon at Wolverhampton, Jung-Hwan Ahn at Duisburg after a brief stint at Metz, and especially, Park Ji-Sung at Manchester United. If the South Koreans repeat their 2002 performance, they will challenge both Switzerland and France, who will need to be cautious. We will have to wait for the first match against Togo on June 13th to gauge the level of South Korea.
Togo is the underdog of Group G. The Togolese are participating in their first World Cup. They have never shone on their continent and like Angola, they surprised during the qualifiers. The star of the team is former Metz and Monaco player Emmanuel Adebayor, now a striker at Arsenal alongside Thierry Henry. Like Senegal in 2002, many Togolese players play in France: goalkeeper Kossi Agassa at Metz, as well as midfielder Chérif Touré, Thomas Dossévi at Valenciennes, strikers Robert Malm and Moustapha Salifou of Brest, and even amateur players like Affo Erassa at Moulins, Alaixis Romao at Louhans Cuiseaux, or Richmond Forson at Poire sur Vie. Togo will count on the element of surprise and has nothing to lose. The first match against South Korea will give us a clear idea of this team. One thing is certain: the Togolese will play the match of their lives on June 23rd against France.
France, Switzerland, and South Korea will likely vie for the top two spots, hence the importance of the first match for the Blues on June 13th against Switzerland. A victory for the French team, and everything will follow smoothly. A defeat, and the specter of 2002 will haunt Zizou’s team again.
Prediction by Nice-Première:
1-France 2-Switzerland 3-South Korea 4-Togo
Schedule for Group G:
June 13 in Frankfurt: South Korea – Togo (3 PM)
June 13 in Stuttgart: France – Switzerland (6 PM)
June 18 in Leipzig: France – South Korea (9 PM)
June 19 in Dortmund: Togo – Switzerland (3 PM)
June 23 in Hanover: Switzerland – South Korea (9 PM)
June 23 in Cologne: Togo – France (9 PM)
