SPORTS> All About the Players
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SPORTS> All About the Players
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Henry, Cisse likely to start up front for France at World Cup
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-07 16:11 "It is a temptation (to choose Ribery)," Domenech said. "But all the players should be ready to perform. The team that has 23 players who can perform is the team that wins the World Cup." Henry, meanwhile, looks sharp and full of energy despite a long season with Arsenal that culminated in a 2-1 loss to FC Barcelona in the Champions League final. Paired in attack with Saha against Denmark, Henry produced one of his best performances for France since a game against Germany in November 2003, when he scored one goal and set up two more for Trezeguet in a 3-0 away win. France's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, looks solid enough despite the erratic form of veteran Lilian Thuram. In midfield, Claude Makelele and Florent Malouda have both been excellent in warmup games. Makelele's energy sees him form a huge defensive wall in front of the defense, while Malouda's trickery and close control offers Les Bleus an immediate outlet from the back. "Physically, Makelele is astonishing," Domenech said. "Even in training, he performs all the time. He is 33-years-old ... but is still improving. He plays his role very well. I have no worries." Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira, however, have both looked jaded, leg-weary and off the pace. Domenech is relying on Lyon fitness coach Robert Duverne to bring them into shape. Still, Domenech is hoping that extensive fitness training will help his two midfield lynchpins back to form in time for France's opener against Switzerland in Stuttgart on June 13. The French team also faces Togo and South Korea in Group G. Both Domenech and Barthez both said they expect a warm reception from the crowd in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday. France's players were jeered and whistled during a recent friendly against Mexico at Stade de France _ as they were before leaving for the 2002 World Cup. "Saint-Etienne is a real football crowd," Domenech said. "To feel the public behind you is very important to the players. They don't show it, but they are very sensitive to it." About 4,000 fans turned out to watch the French team train Tuesday evening. Zidane waved as his name was chanted, and so did Domenech _ although it seemed to be in mock appreciation of the fans booing him as he walked past. Barthez said the players are growing impatient. "The atmosphere within the group is great, super," Barthez said. "But it's dragging on. We can't wait to get to Germany."
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