Matchday 5

Group G
France vs Switzerland
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13th June 2006

Prediction: France 1-0 or 2-1

Second game of the Group G. France and Switzerland already met twice in the qualification phase; THE RESULT : two draws (0-0, 1-1). The '98 champions has since won all his last friendlies (Mexico 1-0, Denmark 2-0, China 3-1) whereas Switzerland drew twice (Italy 1-1, Ivory Coast 1-1) and won against China 4-1.

What a French team - Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Wiltord, Makelele, Ribery. It seems more a “Rest of the World” rather than a simple national team. And only if we add names like “David Trezeguet, Zidane,Vieira and Herny”, France would sound decent and powerful.

Seems like Switzerland have no chance at all. Well, think again. Switzerland's draws against France were not chanced upon. Memories struck in my brain that apparently in one of the ocassions, the Swiss team had well deserved to win as they had more goal-scoring chances than France.

Switzerland would not be playing a little role in this World Cup. With two years before the European Championship commences in Austria and Switzerland, the Swiss team has since created a young and dymanic team, ready to obtain good results now and also in 2008. After the “Battle at Istanbul”, they have simply no reasons to accept a defeat now.

Now that we have understood that the Suisse consists of amateur players that are not to be undermined, here comes a new big doubt: Who will stop Thierry Henry? Simple. His Arsenal's club mates Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou. The star-studded team is so so hungry for a win following a disgrace first round exit (with no goals scored) from '02 World Cup with a series of flops and under performance. Their past lack-lustre performance will certainly raised eyebrows this time round. Would they do it again? Will Herny flop again?

From the looks of it, if Herny is able to maintain his Champion League form, the French would be able a scrap off a win in Stuttgart as they are simply a class above their opponents.

WC Soccer 2006