International friendly preview: France v Estonia

France will complete their Euro 2012 preparations with a friendly game against Estonia in Le Mans on Tuesday.

Should France avoid defeat at the MMArena, as is widely expected, they will head into the European Championships unbeaten in 21 matches.

Laurent Blanc’s side have won 14 of their last 20 games, overcoming the likes of England, Brazil and Germany in the process.

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda scored inside the opening 16 minutes as France outclassed Serbia 2-0 in their most recent outing last week.

Blanc, who is leading France into a major tournament for the first time, is likely to persist with Ribery, Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema up front against Estonia.

“We’re looking for perfection, but that doesn’t exist,” Blanc told TF1.

“We were in better physical shape (against Serbia), but we’re not yet ready.

“We knew the three attackers – Ribery, Nasri and Benzema – had the technical and the individual quality, but they had to prove they could play together.

“They showed they can. They showed the right attitude and I hope it continues.

“Physically, we’ll be in even better condition against Estonia in our third and final preparation match.”

France face England, Sweden and hosts Ukraine in Group D at Euro 2012, with their opening match against Roy Hodgson’s men in Donetsk on June 11.

Estonia, 54th in the FIFA rankings, head to Le Mans on the back of outings against Finland and Lithuania in the biannual Baltic Cup last weekend.

Tarmo Ruutli’s men were defeated 2-1 by Finland on Friday before overcoming Lithuania 1-0 on Sunday.

Striker Vladimir Voskoboinikov, who netted in the win over Lithuania, is likely to be a threat, but France should be too strong as they look to continue their excellent run of form.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-preview-france-v-estonia/95884/

Blanc unsure over M´Vila fitness

France coach Laurent Blanc has cast further doubt over Yann M’Vila’s participation in France’s opening Euro 2012 clash with England.

M’Vila suffered an ankle sprain in last week’s friendly international with Serbia.

The 21-year-old, believed to be a transfer target for Arsenal, sustained the injury when tackled by Dusan Tadic early in the 2-0 win, and although he attempted to shake off the knock, he was unable to continue.

The Rennes man was an expected starter in Les Bleus’ midfield for the match with England, but Blanc is cautious about a premature return.

“I don’t know if he will play versus England,” Blanc said to reporters.

“He has a substantial injury, but we should be careful. The injury can move in the right direction in a few days.”

Speaking ahead of his team’s friendly against Estonia on Tuesday, Blanc said he wanted a good performance from his side.

“It is very difficult for me to confirm whether the team that starts tomorrow against Estonia will be the same one that will start against England on June 11,” Blanc said.

“We still have the same goal and objective – to progress past the first round, to reach the quarter-finals and then see where we go from there.

“For us, we want to play well during the friendlies and to have that confidence and conviction in order to achieve our objectives.”

France attacker Florent Malouda said it was important for his side to take the clash against Estonia seriously.

“The most important thing is to keep doing what we are doing, but we still have to increase our level and build up our confidence ahead of the tournament,” Malouda said.

“Of course, the competition itself is always different compared to the friendly games.

“It is essential to enforce good practice, whatever the opposition or match.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/blanc-unsure-over-m%c2%b4vila-fitness/95877/

Final warm-ups for Euro 2012 trio World Soccer Shop

Ukraine meet Turkey in a Euro 2012 warm-up match in Ingolstadt on Tuesday, France host Estonia in Le Mans and Sweden face Serbia in Stockholm.

Shevchenko: Gearing up for Euro 2012

Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko believes the national team can go all the way to the final of Euro 2012 as they prepare for their last game before the tournament kicks off.

The 35-year-old has 107 international caps and is arguably the most well-known Ukrainian footballer of all time.

The final of the European Championships will be held at Kiev's Olympic Stadium on July 1, and Shevchenko reckons Oleh Blokhin's side can get there.

"If we show our quality and have a bit of luck, we can reach the final," he said. "I understand that will be extremely difficult, but you only get one chance to make history."

The former AC Milan and Chelsea forward revealed the thought of participating in a major European competition on home soil has kept him playing for longer than he expected - even if he now knows his own limitations.

He said: "For the last five years, I've hardly thought about anything but the European Championships that will be held in my country. It's fair to say this has extended my career. It's my dream.

"I need more time for rehabilitation. That's natural. If I'm not completely fit, I don't want to play and let down the fans. I want to do what's best for the side."

Turkey v Ukraine kicks off at 7pm BST at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt.

France face Estonia in their final match before they open their tournament against England next Monday, but former Les Bleus star Christophe Dugarry believes manager and former team-mate Laurent Blanc has his work cut out to achieve success in Poland and Ukraine.

"Today picking the France team is still very complicated," the Euro 2000 winner told L'Equipe. "When you see who is absent, the players who had an average season and those few who have had a good season and are 100% mentally and physically - if there are 10, that is the maximum.

"Laurent Blanc, is a coach, not a magician - he does what he can."

Kick-off at the MMArena in Le Mans is at 8pm BST.

Meanwhile, France's Group D opponents Sweden host Serbia in their final warm-up game and head coach Erik Hamren has claimed a number of his squad are struggling with fatigue.

"Swedish football should stop and think if what they are doing is the right thing," he said.

"And if this is the way you want to run things, then you are giving your players very little chance to win. This, for me as national-team coach, is unacceptable."

Sweden's national league runs between March and November and therefore will take a break for the duration of the Championships.

Their talismanic captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed winning the tournament would eclipse anything he achieves with club side AC Milan.

He said: "For me, perhaps, winning the European Championship would be of more value than all the titles I have won to date."

"Winning with one's own country is special. It is an honour to play for one's national team. It would be fantastic to win with this shirt and then return home to celebrate with the fans."

Kick-off at the Rasunda Stadium is at 6pm BST.

Elsewhere, Austria host Romania and Kazakhstan travel to Armenia.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17758/final_warm_ups_for_euro_2012_trio

Stricken M´Vila to travel with France

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Yann M’Vila will remain with the France squad for Euro 2012 despite an ankle injury.

The Stade Rennais midfielder picked up a knock in France’s 2-0 friendly win over Serbia, and it was initially feared he could miss the European Championship due to the injury.

However, an MRI scan has revealed the 21-year-old’s physical problems are less serious than previously thought, and he will not have to withdraw from the squad for Euro 2012.

“The MRI confirmed that it’s a moderately serious sprain, without aggravating factors. It’s running its course, there are no complications,” an official statement from FFF read.

M’Vila will travel to Ukraine with the rest of the France squad on Wednesday, but he is unlikely to make a full recovery before their Group D opener against England on June 11.

After the England match, France take on tournament co-hosts Ukraine and then Sweden.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/stricken-m%c2%b4vila-to-travel-with-france/95831/

Blanc hopeful on M´Vila fitness

France coach Laurent Blanc is hopeful that Yann M’Vila will recover from his ankle problem in time for Euro 2012.

Les Bleus’ 2-0 friendly victory against Serbia on Thursday was disrupted by M’Vila’s injury in the opening minutes of the game, which looked serious after the Rennes midfielder limped out in distress.

France national team doctor Fabrice Bryand said after the match that he will need 48 hours to reassess the injury before determining M’Vila’s recovery time.

Blanc is upbeat about the player’s chances of featuring in the country’s opening game at Euro 2012 against England.

“We think that he will be available for the first match of the Euros,” he told reporters.

Turning his attention to the win over Serbia, Blanc was satisfied with his men’s display, but noted there are many things that the team must improve on before the start of the tournament.

“We strive for perfection, but there is no such thing,” he said. “We showed a better physical freshness than we did against Iceland, but we are not yet ready.

“We were a bit disappointing in the last 15 minutes, but overall I am pretty happy with our display.”

France kick off their Euro campaign against England on June 11 before taking on Ukraine and Sweden.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/blanc-hopeful-on-m%c2%b4vila-fitness/95624/

M'Vila injured in France win World Soccer Shop

A potentially serious injury to key midfielder Yann M'Vila took the shine off an otherwise encouraging 2-0 victory for France over Serbia.

M'Villa: Hobbles out of France's clash with Serbia

Rennes midfielder M'Vila took a kick to the ankle from Dusan Tadic in the opening exchanges and although he tried to carry on he left the pitch in obvious distress with just four minutes on the clock.

His team-mates went on to win with ease, scoring early goals through Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda while creating several other chances, but it will be the diagnosis for his central lynchpin that will most concern Laurent Blanc with less than two weeks until the start of their Euro 2012 campaign.

Germany continue to search for their form nine days ahead of their Euro 2012 bow against Portugal after stumbling to a 2-0 friendly win over Israel in Leipzig.

Against the nation ranked 58 in the world by FIFA, Mario Gomez gave Joachim Low's side the lead just before the break.

A late goal from Andre Schurrle earned Germany a slightly more respectable margin of victory but, after losing 5-3 to Switzerland last weekend, Low still has a lot of fine-tuning to do before things get serious on June 9.

Kiriakos Papadopoulos scored the only goal in the 24th minute as Greece completed preparations for the European Championship finals by claiming their first win in five games against Armenia.

Fernando Santos' side faced going to the finals in disarray after failing to win in any of their four previous friendlies, including a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slovenia in Kufstein last Saturday.

The early strike from Papadopoulos will have restored confidence in the Greek side, who begin their finals campaign against hosts Poland in the opening match next Friday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17558/m_vila_injured_in_france_win

Blanc: Benzema, Giroud pairing viable

France coach Laurent Blanc said Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud can play in the same XI, but they may not do so in their Euro 2012 opener.

Both players are coming off the back of hugely successful club campaigns, with Benzema having played an integral role in Real Madrid’s Liga triumph and Giroud having fired Montpellier to Ligue 1 glory.

Blanc has already intimated that Benzema will lead the Les Bleus attack at the Euros but has now admitted that he is toying with the idea of a front two for their opening clash with England on June 11.

“Benzema and Giroud can play together,” the former Bordeaux coach told reporters on Wednesday.

“They are two interesting players but they are complementary – I’m convinced of that.

“But there are choices to make, tactically in particular. It is necessary to think about the balance of the team.”

Blanc also admitted that he had been hoping to call upon the services of Yoann Gourcuff in Poland and Ukraine, but felt that he had no option but to drop the Lyon playmaker because of his fitness problems this season.

“Gourcuff had a big role to play. But he was injured,” he said.

When asked about how his side will line out for the meeting with old rivals England in Donetsk, Blanc replied: “I don’t know. But we will play to win.”

France play their final warm-up game on Thursday, against Serbia, and Blanc is expecting another tough test in light of their hard-earned victory over Iceland at the weekend.

“On paper, Serbia is better armed than Iceland. But it will be a different match,” he said.

“Whatever the opposition, we want to do what we set out to do. And without announcing the team, I say to you that there will be many changes.”

France and England and joined in Group D by tournament co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/blanc-benzema-giroud-pairing-viable/95540/

Giroud looks to push claims World Soccer Shop

Olivier Giroud is optimistic his breakthrough season will continue apace as France face Serbia in their Euro 2012 warm-up match on Thursday.

Giroud: Brings 'something different'

Giroud shone at domestic level last season with his league-high 21 goals guiding Montpellier to their maiden Ligue 1 title, and the international scene has already had a taste of the 25-year-old's talents thanks to impressive performances in his first four outings for Les Bleus.

His first international goal arrived in a memorable 2-1 win over Germany in February, while in his latest international outing, against Iceland at the weekend, he came off the bench to set up two goals as Laurent Blanc's men battled back for a 3-2 victory.

Giroud should have done enough to earn a start against Serbia and he is confident he can offer the national side "something different" as Blanc seeks to finalise his plans ahead of France's Group D opener against England on June 11.

"I have increased my level of trust and showed my team-mates what my game is about," said Giroud, who made his debut in a friendly against the United States in November.

"My role is to provide something different. For me it is something new and special. I am very proud to wear the blue jersey, but I'm even more in official competition. That's a lot of pressure, but it's good pressure."

Asked whether Blanc would look to pair him up front alongside Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Giroud said: "It is conceivable, but the Euros are imminent. A change of tactics, trying new things, it is not a given, but if I continue like this, I will have my chance.

"I am ambitious, but it's not me who selects the team."

After spending his earlier career at clubs such as Grenoble, Istres and Tours, Giroud came to greater prominence with 12 Ligue 1 goals for Montpellier as they finished 14th at the end of the 2010-11 season.

But it was his exploits during Montpellier's unexpected title challenge that cemented his reputation and forced Blanc to take a closer look.

"It happened pretty quickly," Giroud said of his elevation to the national team. "It proves that with self-sacrifice, labour and a hint of talent, it can be done."

Giroud was named among Blanc's final 23-man squad for Poland and Ukraine when the coach finalised his selection, with Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff and Giroud's Montpellier team-mate Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa the men to miss out.

Those who survived the cut but did not start against Iceland on Sunday are pushing to stake their claim, with Laurent Koscielny and Gael Clichy poised to come in for Philippe Mexes and Patrice Evra in defence.

First-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris should return as France seek to extend their unbeaten run to 20 games under Blanc, while Yann M'Vila, Mathieu Valbuena and Florent Malouda are also likely to start.

Serbia, who have not qualified for Euro 2012, head into the match under a cloud after Fiorentina midfielder Adem Ljajic was dropped by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic not singing the national anthem prior to their 2-0 defeat to Spain on Saturday.

The Serbians also play Sweden next week as part of a three-match summer schedule that they are using as preparation ahead of the start of World Cup qualifying later this year.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17463/giroud_looks_to_push_claims

Gourcuff, Yanga-Mbiwa dropped from France squad

Laurent Blanc has cut Yoann Gourcuff and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from his final Euro 2012 squad.

Initially the France coach had named 27 players but Olympique de Marseille’s Loic Remy dropped out last week because of a thigh problem sustained at the end of the Ligue 1 season along with Tottenham centre-back Younes Kaboul (knee).

Speculation was rife as to the identities of the other two players, but Gourcuff was always considered to be a likely player to drop out after a difficult campaign with Olympique Lyonnais.

He was given the chance to impress in Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win over Iceland in Valenciennes, but clearly did not do enough in Blanc’s eyes to justify his selection.

Yanga-Mbiwa, meanwhile, was one of four centre-backs named in the initial squad, but the uncapped Montpellier player will not travel to Ukraine, with his lack of experience probably a key factor in the coach’s decision making.

France meet Serbia on Thursday and then face Estonia on June 5 in their final warm-up matches. They will meet England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine in Group D of Euro 2012.

France squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux).

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AC Milan), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).

Midfielders: Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye (both Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).

Strikers: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (PSG), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gourcuff-yanga-mbiwa-dropped-from-france-squad/95451/

Gourcuff given chop by Blanc World Soccer Shop

Midfielder Yoann Gourcuff and centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa have been left out of France's final 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

Gourcuff: Left out by Blanc

Coach Laurent Blanc made his final cut, ahead of his first major tournament in charge, with Gourcuff omitted just days after he played 75 minutes in the 3-2 friendly win over Iceland.

The Lyon midfielder, who has endured a season undermined by injury, left the pitch with France 2-1 behind before his replacement, Franck Ribery, levelled.

Defender Yanga-Mbiwa, who helped Montpellier to their first Ligue 1 title, also made way while striker Loic Remy had already been ruled out from the initial 26-man list due to injury.

Blanc included 12 France-based players in his squad, headed by skipper Hugo Lloris, while there are seven players from the Premier League including Manchester City's title winners Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri.

Final France squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Man City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AC Milan), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Yann M'vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Man City).

Forwards: Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17354/gourcuff_given_chop_by_blanc

Iceland result no problem for Evra

France defender Patrice Evra believes that the form of teams in warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012 should not be read into.

Les Bleus secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Iceland on Saturday after fighting back from a two-goal deficit.

Birkir Bjarnason and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson fired the visitors into a shock lead, but Laurent Blanc’s side spared their blushes as Mathieu Debuchy, Franck Ribery and Adil Rami rescued the win in the second half.

“After one match, you cannot know exactly what you need to do to improve. The second match is different, the third as well,” Evra told L’Equipe.

“You can play very well in your warm-up games and lose the first match at the Euros. It is June 11 we must be ready for.

“We must not be too hard on ourselves.”

Evra appeared culpable for Sigthorsson’s goal when he was beaten by winger Rurik Gislason, who crossed for the Ajax striker to finish, but insisted the blame could not be laid on his shoulders.

Doubts have arisen surrounding the Manchester United full-back holding down a starting berth in the tournament after a disappointing domestic campaign.

“When we concede goals, it is down to everyone. We should not single out the defence, the attack or the midfield,” he added.

Les Bleus face Serbia on Thursday and Estonia next Tuesday before heading to their base camp at Kirsha Training Centre, as they prepare to face England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine in Group D.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/iceland-result-no-problem-for-evra/95404/

Ivory Coast name Lamouchi as coach

Ivory Coast have appointed former France international Sabri Lamouchi as their new coach.

The 40-year-old former Monaco, Inter and Marseille midfielder succeeds Francois Zahoui a day after the country lost 2-1 to Mali in an international friendly in France.

Lamouchi was surprisingly preferred to more accomplished candidates such as former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu and former PSG manager Antoine Kombouare.

Details of Lamouchi’s contract were not revealed by the Ivorian football body but he will likely lead the team through the qualifying campaigns of the 2014 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Frenchman, who retired from football in 2001, is taking up his first coaching job with a national team.

Ivory Coast begin their World Cup qualifying matches on June 2 against Tanzania, followed by Morocco on June 9.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ivory-coast-name-lamouchi-as-coach/95400/

Benzema backs fired-up France World Soccer Shop

Karim Benzema says France have a "big desire" to succeed at Euro 2012 this summer and feels Jeremy Menez and Hatem Ben Arfa could be key.

Benzema: Says France have a 'big desire' to succeed at Euro 2012

The Real Madrid frontman started for France as they came from two goals down to beat Iceland 3-2 in a friendly on Sunday night and is expected to lead the line in Poland and Ukraine.

Les Bleus will play two more friendlies, against Serbia and Estonia, before their Euro Group D campaign kicks off against England on June 11.

Benzema insists he is not looking for individual glory at the tournament but feels the current generation of France players could do well if they come together as a team.

"At the Euros, I won't think about trying to be heroic or trying to do the whole job alone. I need all my team-mates to be good on the pitch," Benzema told L'Equipe.

"We all have a big desire, we talked about it and we will talk again. We have a good generation, it is up to us to play."

He added: "Jeremy Menez has had an amazing season, I had a lot of fun watching him playing at PSG. He will be the icing on the cake at the Euros.

"Hatem Ben Arfa is one of the very best in his position. I hope he will keep the same form. I know with him we can play together on the pitch with our eyes closed."

After struggling to settle at Real following his move from Lyon in 2009, Benzema feels he is finally finding his top form and largely credits coach Jose Mourinho for his development.

He added: "Before I left for Real in 2009, I was a hopeful, I was young, I was a little shy.

"Nowadays, I have matured. I am 24 years old, I feel more at ease and calm in front of the media. Physically I have also become more powerful.

"At Madrid I have learnt to cope better in matches of very high pressure, like El Classicos or big Champions League clashes.

"To me the biggest difference between Lyon and Real is the amount of effort you have to put in to make a name for yourself. At Madrid, I am making double the effort than I did in Lyon. I am working like mad."

Mourinho has been critical of Benzema in the past, questioning his attitude and commitment, and the 24-year-old is grateful to the coach for keeping faith in him.

"Since our very first meeting, I saw he will always back me," he said. "I felt he was fond of me, despite what he said later.

"He has never let me go. Even when he didn't play me, or trained me very hard, or when he slammed me in press conferences.

"Mourinho angered me to toughen me up. Finally that work has paid off."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17298/benzema_backs_fired_up_france