France refocused for Lens test

By Christian Chatelet

If France thought they were back on track after their FIFA World Cup disappointment, a 2-0 home friendly defeat by the Czech Republic in February quickly refocused the mind. That could be bad news for Malta, who face a backlash from the wounded holders at the Stade Félix-Bollaert on Saturday.

No complacency
Coach Jacques Santini may have seen his side win their opening three UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers, but he will be desperate for the reassurance of a good performance as he looks to continue his rejuvenation of Les Bleus in Lens. "I'll name the best team I can," he said. "I've always respected my opponents, because you never know what might happen. The mistake would be to start thinking already about the Israel game next Wednesday."

Regular action
France hammered Malta 4-0 in Valetta in October, but Santini has warned his side to take nothing for granted. "I saw Malta against Cyprus, and they can do more than just defend," he said. "They should have been ahead rather than drawing 0-0 at half-time." None the less, Malta lost that game 2-1. Santini has made clear his policy of only selecting players who are in regular action for their club sides.

New captain
That has meant no place in the squad for Chelsea FC's Marcel Desailly, who has been struggling with a hip injury, or club-mate Emmanuel Petit, who has played just twice since the loss to the Czechs. With Desailly missing, Santini has had to name a new captain. "It is a very important decision," he said, before handing the armband to the Real Madrid CF midfield player Zinedine Zidane.

Young guns
The 22-year-old AJ Auxerre defender Philippe Mexès should replace Desailly, while AS Monaco FC's Jérôme Rothen, who will be 25 on Monday, could come in for Robert Pires - a sure sign of the progression of Santini's policy of youth - who has failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup victory against Chelsea on Tuesday. However Pires could still regain fitness in time to face Israel in Palermo.

Brincat 'devastated'
Malta also have their absentees. In addition to the suspended Stefan Giglio, the experienced Sliema Wanderers FC midfielder Joe Brincat has withdrawn. Brincat told uefa.com: "I feel devastated to have picked up this thigh injury just before the France game and not being able to help out the team for this important match next Saturday." Striker Adrian Mifsud is also doubtful with an ankle knock.

Cypriot hope
The other game in Group 1 sees Cyprus face Israel in Limassol. After a narrow 2-1 home defeat by France and victory over Malta, maximum points for the Cypriots and something from the game in Slovenia next Wednesday would leave them in with a serious chance of claiming the runners-up spot. "The game against Israel is crucial for us because our following [four] games will all be away from home," said coach Momcilo Vukotic. "There is absolutely no reason why we cannot achieve the three points if we play to our potential. It all depends on us."

Unbeaten record
History is in the Cypriots' favour - they are yet to lose in three home matches against Israel, and they also have FC PAOK Thessaloniki's Panagiotis Engomitis back from injury. However, Israel have won their only outing in the section - 2-0 away to Malta - and are keen to maintain a 100 per cent record. "A good start against Cyprus on Saturday will give us a lot of confidence," said Haim Revivo of Galatasaray SK, who is expected to slot into the playmaking role vacated by the injured Eyal Berkovic. "It is going to be tough, but we know that a victory can make a lot of people in our country very happy, especially in these troubled times."

Additional reporting by Domenic Aquilina, Ofer Ronen-Abels and John Leonidou