Euro 2012 Qualifying Preview: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs France
The last Euro 2012 Qualifying Match, which was held on Friday night, gave Bosnia-Herzegovina of 'Group D' a perfect start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign as they went on to defeat Luxembourg 3-0. While on the other hand group favourites and one time FIFA World Cup winners, France crashed to a shock home loss to Belarus. This loss is considered to be the one the biggest shock defeats recorded in the last 20 years, as Les Blues were favourites to easily overcome the less re-known and weaker side of Belarus.
Now Group D’s supposed top two teams are due to meet in Sarajevo (home of Bosnia –Herzegovina), and the hosts can look for another win as they hope to increase their lead and be on the top of the group.
There were as such no difficulties at all for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s national side on Friday night. The first three goals came in the starting 16 minutes, which also includes a goal from former Luxembourg youth player, Miralem Pjanic. These early strikes surely put the game comprehensively out of sight.
A glorious victory was certainly anticipated on Friday from France’s national team, but even given the turbulence in the France camp over the last year, Bosnia will not simply expect to pick up maximum points on Tuesday. That’s not to say there’s a lack of confidence in the camp though.
If Bosnia-Herzegovina plays to their potential, they have every single chance of claiming three points against a side still clearly in a state of disorganization. The distance that France have to come in a short space of time was made extremely evident to new coach Laurent Blanc on Friday night, when French National football team toiled to a 1-0 reverse against Belarus at home.
Just like as they performed during Raymond Domenech’s era, les Bleus were moreover one-paced and one-dimensional for most of the match, no doubt Les Bleus did create opportunities and might have put the ball in the net. But they did not receive more favourable breaks in the penalty box. Laurent Blanc’s men really controlled the match but they always looked vulnerable to a counterattack, which was exactly what held them out just before the close of play.
If France lose today in Sarajevo against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is a prospect not unthinkable, Laurent Blanc, who has promised to resign if les Bleus don’t reach Euro 2012, would suddenly find his dream job in the balance after just three fixtures in these qualifiers.
Team news
Bosnia-Herzegovina
There are unlikely to be any big changes in the Bosnia side ahead of the France match as they were quite satisfied with their Friday night performance. It is possible that they might start with more midfield options. A more inventive role is likely to be handed over to Miralem Pjanic. Emir Spahic, the skipper, will be handling the defence. Both men are based in France. Eden Dzeko will be the main offensive threat.
France
Laurent Blanc will not be able to apply his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation as most of his players are either banned or injured. Yoann Gourcuff is still serving the ban by FIFA. Patrice Evra, Nicolas Anelka and Franck Ribery are all still banned by the FFA (French Football Association) following offenses at the World Cup. Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema are likely to be called up in place for the injured Loic Remy and Guillaume Hoarau.
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