These are the kinds of games that stars thrive on. I don't want to hear about league matches or Champions League ties. These are the games that I care about. Team is not working, tactics are not flowing and you are down with the odds against you. This is where true stars rise up, take up the mantle and do whatever it takes to deliver the goods. Let me be clear here, Ribery deserves that Ballon D'Or, whatever the result. But if he can inspire France to an incredible comeback, then we can all put to rest any other competitors to his crown. Franck, it's time that you showed the world that you can follow in the footsteps of the great Zidane and INSPIRE your country to victory.
Something is wrong with France. For a team to have players like Ribery, Pogba, Cabaye, Menez and NOT perform better is shocking. Didier knows he still needs to work a few things out to get the best out of the role players. But there is no time for tinkering now. All Deschamps must focus on now is ensuring Ribery has a PROFOUND effect on the game. He has to create an environment where he gets the ball in space and is allowed a one-on-one with defenders as many times as possible. That is the only way they are winning this. The team for some reason have not been clicking and flowing. They have a BRICK as a striker and another striker who doesn't really play as a striker. It all rests on the shoulders of Ribery to inspire the team by dominating and creating as many chances as possible.For Ribery, he must compose himself. Ninety minutes is enough time to score the goals they need. He has to get into that frame of mind that he is the best player on that pitch. Once he believes in that concept and can be one with it, then he can go out and do what we know he can do. He can't rely on the system of Bayern that serves him so well. The approach must be different and there must be an air of arrogance and single-mindedness in his approach. You have to think about Maradona and what he did in 86 and his own Zidane, and what he did in 06. For these kinds of matches, the rules are different. You MUST take the game to the opponent, off your own back.
Can France do it? I don't think so. Don't trust the team, the tactics and the home crowd, who will get on the team if Ukraine score or if France struggle to score as the match goes on. But, this is football. It's where the REAL amazing happens. For if France are to somehow miraculously turn this around, it will all depend on the kind of game Ribery has and how everyone can rise to the occassion following his lead.
HH
