Monday, 9 June 2008
Day three of GroundReport’s Exclusive Coverage of Euro 2008:
By Daniel Yoon
Romania held championship favorites France to a scoreless draw on Monday in the opening Group C encounter in Zurich. A brilliant defensive performance frustrated Les Bleus and put into question France’s ability to advance beyond the what looks to be the toughest group of the tournament – France will face the Netherlands on Friday and Italy next Tuesday in what will be must-win group fixtures.
Chelsea FC striker Nicolas Anelka created two breakaway opportunities early in the first half for Raymond Domenech’s team, but Romanian keeper Bogdan Lobant was up for the challenge to deny France an early lead.
The French controlled the ball throughout the match but could not penetrate a staunch and often aggressive Romanian back four that at times became six to eight. In the second half, the French got off a mere one shot on goal and three altogether in the match, while the Romanians walked on a disciplinary tightrope having been issued three yellow cards early in the first half.
France had to do without their top goal-scorer, FC Barcelona striker Thierry Henry, and veteran mid-fielder Patrick Vierra, both of whom were ruled out due to injury and ill-fitness. Meanwhile, Romania boost their mental standings in Group C with a point from their opening match. All four teams are ranked by FIFA within the top twelve in the world.
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