Gunners in Germany: Part 9 – Thierry/Ribery in the Final
10 comments July 6th, 2006
Thierry Henry and France eased into the final last night, overcoming an uninspiring Portugal thanks to a Zinedine Zidane penalty. It was Henry who earned the spot-kick, side-stepping Ricardo Carvalho before the Chelsea defender lunged in and brought him down. Though the picture shows Henry’s dive as being ever-so-slightly dramatic, there was definite contact: this was no repeat of his second round encounter with Carlos Puyol.
What struck me last night is how little strength and depth France have, and yet conversely how little David Trezeguet is being considered for selection. As a front three Malouda, Henry, and Ribery is fairly good. However, their three replacements last night were Wiltord, Govou, and Saha, who were all dreadful. Saha’s suspension means Trezeguet might get a look in for the final, but until that occurrence he was well out of the picture.
Marseille winger Franck Ribery had an average game, but is still being linked with a move to Arsenal in some circles. Just two days ago he claimed he had “decided” on his destination next season. The smart money is still on Lyon, and with Cristiano Ronaldo possibly moving on Man U are bound to be interested, but you never know…
Lyon have also been linked with beaten Quarter-finalist Gilberto Silva. However, they have also declared their interest in his Brazil team-mate Kaka, and suggested they might bid â?¬45m for Drogba. It’s fair to say their transfer policy is not particularly grounded in reality.
I’m sure there’s something I’ve forgotten, but I can’t remember it. That’s what happens when there’s no big news about: you start compiling lots of tiny, insignificant stuff and it starts slipping through your fingers. So Arsene, please stop messing around on the internet and go and make some signings.
