Ribéry Assuming Zidane's Mantle As France Get Back on Track

Franck Ribéry struck the winner against Lithuania for the second time this week to help France grind out another 1-0 win, just as they did in Kaunas on Saturday.

Debutant Andre-Pierre Gignac provided a superb half-volleyed cross after Thierry Henry had cleverly switched the play, and Ribéry was on hand to tap home from inside the six yard box. His strike earned another precious three points for les bleus, particularly their under-fire manager Raymond Domenech.

L’Equipe this morning reported on a much improved French performance in the second half, after a drab first period saw them only produce one shot on goal.

Despite enjoying the vast majority of possession, Domenech’s side were criticised for the slow pace of their game and a complete lack of potency when approaching the final third.

L’Equipe pointed to the absence of Toulalan (suspended after picking up a second yellow card on Saturday) as a possible reason for the team’s struggles, as the two Diarras, Lassana and Alou, toiled ineffectively in midfield.

Domenech surprised everyone by withdrawing Gourcuff and introducing Karim Benzema on the right-hand side just before the hour mark, with Ribéry moving inside into a more central position. Benzema was quickly into the action, testing the ‘keeper three minutes after his introduction.

More chances were created and squandered as Domenech handed Gignac his debut. The move proved decisive as the Toulouse forward was quickly into the action, firing off a couple of shots before setting up Ribéry’s goal.

Gignac provided another cross from the right that Henry blazed over the bar from close range as he stretched to reach it.

Gourcuff has been strongly touted as Zidane’s successor in the national side after an impressive season at Bordeaux, but on recent evidence it is very much Ribéry who is the catalyst behind this current French team. He has truly proved the difference in this latest round of matches.

France line-up

S. Mandanda – B. Sagna, W. Gallas, S. Squillaci, P. Evra – L. Diarra, A. Diarra – F. Ribéry, Y. Gourcuff (K. Benzema, 57), P. Luyindula (A.P. Gignac, 68) – T. Henry (c)

In Group 7’s other match, Austria came from behind to defeat Romania in Klagenfurt. Erwin Hoffer striking twice to give new manager Didi Constantini a winning start.

France’s victory moves them above Lithuania into second place in Group 7, now just two points behind leaders Serbia. France now do not play any further qualifiers until August, giving Serbia the chance to extend their lead when they take on Austria and the Faroe Islands in June.

World Cup Qualifying, European Group 7

Serbia               5          12

France              5          10

Lithuania           6          9

Austria              5          7

Romania           5          4

Faroe Islands     4          1