Raymond Domenech in Last Chance Saloon: Make or Break for France in 2009

2008 was a disastrous year for Raymond Domenech’s France. Euro 2008 saw them crash out in the group stages with only one point and one goal to their name.

This poor form was then carried into the ensuing World Cup Qualifiers where they only picked up four points from their opening three matches and currently sit in third position in Group Seven, five points behind both Serbia and Lithuania, albeit having played one game less.

However, this doesn’t quite tell the full story of the World Cup Qualifying campaign so far, for Group Seven has already seen enough surprise twists and turns to afford Domenech more than enough hope for redemption in 2009.

France’s shock defeat in Vienna on the opening day was not the only shock as Lithuania gained an impressive 3-0 in Cluj over Romania, a side ranked 41 places above them at the time.

Since then, no team remains unbeaten and the group is still very much wide open. Having already dropped five points from two away games, this should in theory play into France’s hands as no one team looks likely to dominate the group.

Domenech’s first test this year is set to be a stern one as Diego Maradona brings his Argentinean side to Marseille for a friendly in February. While the result is never all that important in these friendly internationals the French manager is really in no position to contemplate another defeat, and a victory over top opposition could provide the impetus his side needs going into the qualifiers in March. 

World Cup Qualifying resumes with a doubleheader against Lithuania, away on Saturday 28th March before playing host on the following Wednesday. Having to already play catchup on the opposition means that four points is the absolute minimum requirement.

June sees the French contesting two friendly matches at home. Nigeria are the first opposition, due to visit St Etienne with the second match lined up against Turkey in Lyon.

From there, August will see France travel into the North Atlantic Sea to face the Faroe Isles where victory would leave them in a strong position with three of their remaining four qualifiers to be played at home.

The first of these is against Romania in September and forms part of another double header which will most likely shape the group for all sides concerned. Four days later and the French will complete their away fixtures at current group leaders Serbia.

Another Saturday/Wednesday doubleheader concludes Group Seven with France entertaining the Faroe Isles and then Austria. Domenech will be hoping, and most probably needing, to end qualification with a maximum points haul from these games.

If all goes to plan then France will fulfil a return friendly fixture in Tunisia on 11 November having beaten the North Africans 3-1 last October. However, looking at current standings the French team look quite likely to have to compete in the World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs in November if they can only manage to finish second in their group. 

Time will tell whether Raymond Domenech can lead his team to another World Cup. What is already certain is that anything other than victories from here on in will see him replaced as French coach before 2009 is over.

Full fixtures for France in 2009

(as announced so far)

Wed 11 Feb      France vs Argentina (F) (Marseille)

Sat 28 March     Lithuania vs France (WCQ)

Wed 1 April       France vs Lithuania (WCQ)

Wed 3 June       France vs Nigeria (F) (St Etienne)

Sat 6 June         France vs Turkey (F) (Lyon)

Wed 19 Aug      Faroe Isles vs France (WCQ)

Sat 5 Sept         France vs Romania (WCQ)

Wed 9 Sept       Serbia vs France (WCQ)

Sat 10 Oct        France vs Faroe Isles (WCQ)

Wed 14 Oct      France vs Austria (WCQ)

Wed 11 Nov      Tunisia vs France (F) (Tunis)