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| July 05, 2006 | Wednesday | Jumadi-ul-Sani 8, 1427 |
Portugal v France tactical ploys
MUNICH, July 4: France coach Raymond Domenech is expected to name an unchanged side for the third successive game, a preferred 4-2-3-1 formation with Zinedine Thierry Henry alone up front.
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari prefers a combative 4-5-1 system with Pauleta as the lone striker. Facing technically superior teams in the last two rounds, Portugal have not been ashamed to use rougharm tactics and gamesmanship to unsettle the opposition.
France:
Defence — Domenech started William Gallas with Lilian Thuram in the centre of defence in the build-up to the tournament. Gallas, who had previously been made to play at left back against his will, adapted in no time and the new formula works perfectly.
Right back Willy Sagnol likes to get forward. Eric Abidal, on the left, is a little more cautious. France's tight flat back four restricted Brazil to one shot on goal during the quarter-final.
Midfield — Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele play in front of the defence, covering plenty of ground. Zidane sticks to his playmaker's role with Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda acting as wingers, often switching sides.
Attack — Domenech will opt for a single striker in Henry, who scored the winner against Brazil. David Trezeguet has been used mostly as a late substitute so far and is expected to play that role again.
Portugal:
Defence — The back four have vulnerabilities but have proved rugged and determined, held the Dutch at bay and have conceded only one goal in five games.
Centre backs Ricardo Carvalho and Fernando Meira are happier on the ground than in the air while full backs Miguel and Nuno Valente sometimes appear to enjoy getting forward more than holding position.
Midfield — Playmaker Deco and midfield holding player Costinha return after missing the quarter-final against England through suspension.
Maniche has been impressive so far, looks full of running and has two goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has improved steadily and is a constant menace for defenders even if his final pass is often wanting.
Attack — Pauleta took his tally to 47 goals in 85 games when he scored the winner against Angola but has been pretty well shackled since. He knows his role well though and makes endless runs off the ball to provide a target for the midfield quintet.—Reuters
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