Arsenal 2 – 0 Cyprus
10 comments October 14th, 2004
Sylvain Wiltord, assisted by Patrick Vieira, and Thierry Henry were both on the scoresheet to ensure France’s victory over lowly Cyprus.
France, however, were not entirely convincing. It’s difficult to see how they’ve gone so far backwards since 2000. They have had such talented players, and in 2002 and 2004 they never came close to fulfilling their potential.
Now the spine of that side is gone. Desailly, Blance, Lebouef, Thuram, Makalele, and Zidane are all gone. he inexperienced Monaco pair of Givet and Squillacci have been drafted in at centre-back. Robert Pires is out of form and out of favour, and there was even talk that Thierry Henry might have been dropped tonight in favour of the livewire Sidney Govou.
It looks like their era of dominance over European football is definitely over. For now, at least. Though I’m sure that when Cygan, Clichy, and Aliadiere earn their call ups they’ll once again reign supreme. Ish.
Oh, and also, Ashley Cole put in a lovely cross for England’s winner in what was generally a pretty rubbish match last night.
That is all.
