Group G (Fra/Swiz/SKor/Togo)

[skeeta]

Domenech must remember Cisse from the U21s and Auxerre and must hope that he will somehow magically regain that form.

Cisse's forte at Auxerre was running at defenses from 30-40 yards out and running onto through balls supplied by his midfielders. His game was all about a combination of pace and power than was not unlike early PSV-Barca Ronaldo or the "good" Adriano (no, I am not saying that he was as good as either of those players, just that he had a similar game). He has never been able to do that in England, in part because English defenses don't leave spaces like that, and in part because he is one of those players whose success builds off success and is currently caught in a downward spiral. The differences between Liverpool and Auxerre and Roux and Benitez are also of cosmic dimensions.

He wants to go to Marseille, and that is likely to be the best possible destination for him at this point.

Which suggests a new thread for the least deserving member of a World Cup Squad. Barthez has to be the worst choice as a starter named to date.

[skeeta]

So, Coupet finally realizes that Domenech really meant it when he said Barthez was the number one and walks out the French camp in a huff, only to return the next day as if nothing happened.

Good to see that Raymond's team building tactics are working as planned.

France just looks like a train wreck waiting to happen.

[hanuma]

Not really. Domenech has already failed as manager of this team. The only reason why the players are there is because of a players initiative.

[sinoy1]

dont know if i said this but korea and france to make it out. in that order. i dont like the sweden team much but they could make a huge battle for second place.

oddly enuff i was watching italy vs korea with a south korean friend of mine in the last world cup....lets just say it wasnt good lol

[skeeta]

L'Equipe seems to think it will be Anelka to replace Cissé, which would be in keeping with Domenech's master plan to ensure he has plenty of time for his summer hols.

[hanuma]

Anelka is much better than Cisse...if he plays anywhere near his potential France's chances get 20% better.

[skeeta]

Govou called up.

I am really starting to believe that Domenech has a villa reserved somewhere for the last ten days of July.

Must not be in France, though.

[hanuma]

[Davideitaly]

Togo coach Otto Pfister has resigned from his position just three days before the team's opening match against South Korea.

Pfister left the team at 2am local time after failed negotiations with the prime minister and sports minister of Togo.

The German coach could not live with the fact that the players' bonuses for qualifying for the World Cup have not been paid yet, despite being told that it would be cleared soon when he was appointed in February.

Later on Saturday, it was announced that another assistant, Kodjovi Mawuena, replaces Pfister as head coach.

[Davideitaly]

It remains unclear who will coach Togo in their World Cup opener against South Korea on Tuesday after conflicting reports.
Otto Pfister sensationally resigned on Friday night following a dispute with the players and Togo's football association over bonuses and pay.

However, it has been claimed that the 68-year-old will now return to coach the African nation, who are at their first World Cup, but this has been denied by a government official.

Pfister's son, Mike, told fifaworldcup.com: "Yes, he is back as a Togo coach. It is a matter of the heart."

Other reports suggest assistant Kodjovi Mawuena will take charge.

[kennethlindheim]

it seems to be a common problem with african countries.last world cup,cameroon went through the same thing and played like ****.

[Rui Da Silva]

France is done to many old players

[colinfu76]

any idea france will win today?