 |
|
France: Domenech makes few squad changes for World Cup qualifiers [Thu Aug 25th, 2005]
Paris (Reuters) - Barcelona midfielder Ludovic Giuly has replaced Sidney Govou, as France coach Raymond Domenech kept largely to the squad that beat Ivory Coast earlier this month for the World Cup qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Ireland.
Juventus striker David Trezeguet was absent from the 20-man list through injury but Zinedine Zidane, midfielder Claude Makelele and defender Lilian Thuram, who all came out of international retirement to help France's qualifying campaign, are in the squad.
France play Faroe Islands in Lens on September 3, before travelling to Dublin to face group leaders Ireland four days later.
The French are fourth in Group Four with 10 points from six matches. They trail Ireland by three points but have a game in hand.
"There is no time for experiments and for talks any longer," Domenech told a news conference. "We are now in a situation with four matches to play and to win.
"They are all crucial and I don't want to put one above the others. We need to win them all to qualify for the World Cup finals. Nothing else matters."
France take on Switzerland in Bern on October 8 before they complete their qualifying campaign with a home match against Cyprus on October 12.
"These are four do-or-die games," Domenech said. "The time has come to see what this team is worth. We will soon know about our future. There is no need to try and make any calculations."
Domenech hinted that the starting 11 against the Faroe Islands would be similar to the one against the Ivory Coast.
Captain Patrick Vieira returns from injury and Thuram, who strained a muscle, should be fit, although Domenech said he would not take any chances.
"I talked to Lilian this morning. He resumed training with his club. We will wait and see how his injury evolves. I'll make up my mind next week about him."
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes)
Defenders: Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle United), Williams Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Sebastien Squillacci (Monaco), Lilian Thuram (Juventus Turin), Jonathan Zebina (Juventus)
Midfielders: Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain), Alou Diarra (Racing Lens), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Jerome Rothen (Paris St Germain), Patrick Vieira (Juventus), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)
Strikers: Djibril Cisse (Liverpool), Ludovic Giuly (Barcelona), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyon), Sylvain Wiltord (Olympique Lyon).
News headlines from around the world.