What Would Be Strategies of France and Senegal for Opening Match?

∇France = Although Zidane is out, there is no change with the Christmas-tree formation of 4-3-2-1. Veteran Youri Djorkaeff (34. Bolton) is to take Zidane’s place. Coach Roger Lemerre expressed deep trust that “Djorkaeff is ready, and he is competent enough to cover for Zidane’s absence.”

However, the injured midfielder’s job of controlling the game flow and distributing the ball is to be divided for two players. AFP press predicted that Djorkaeff will take the ball distribution, and Patrick Vieira (26. Arsenal) the game control. In comparison with Zidane, who usually takes time dribbling around to look for empty spots, Djorkaeff is different that he passes immediately after he gets the ball.

The three top-scorers of this season’s European Leagues, David Trezeguet (Juventus), Thierry Henry (Manchester United), and Djibril Cisse (Auxerre), will make a triangular formation to attack Senegal’s goal.

AFP pointed out that veteran Frank Leboeuf (34. Marseille), who took the central defense along with Desailly, is a `weak link`. “Because what France is aiming for is championship, they are controlling the pace for the quarterfinals or the semifinals. But they might have some trouble, as the team is going through some setbacks,” said SBS commentator Shin Mun-Sun.

∇Senegal = In its fight against mighty France, Senegal’s basic strategy is seek counterattack after tight defense. It is not a desperate plan of weak against strong. It comes from experience of fierce battles in the `Deadly Group` C in the African preliminaries.

Senegal advanced to the finals for the first time, beating stronger Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria with unbreakable defense.

As it uses the 4-4-2 formation, Senegal is to arrange 2 central midfielders in the back for defense, and side midfielders in the front, making an up-side-down trapezoid formation. Therefore, offense will begin with Khalilou Fadiga (28.Auxerre) and Moussa N’Diaye (23.Sedan). The team has a similar scoring route as England, which uses right midfielder David Beckham to make long cross-passes to the left or middle. Fadiga, who is good at making forward passes to the rear of the opponent’s defense, is to provide `bullets` for El Hadji Diouf (21.Lens), nicknamed as `Serial Killer`. SBS commentator Kang Shin-Woo said, “Usually central midfielders either give the ball to the sides or to the middle striker, but Senegal goes for the goal from the sides towards the center.”

Although coach Bruno Metsu hid his inside feelings by saying, “We can’t put out magic on the ground,” defender Aliou Cisse (Montpellier) showed high spirit, “Anything can happen in football.”

buddy@donga.com