France v Ivory Coast: Although France coach Raymond Domenech is doing his best to deny it, tonight's friendly against the Ivory Coast marks the beginning of a new era for the French national team. After a relatively fruitless year of trying to rebuild the side with a new generation of players, Domenech will revert to type in Montpellier when he welcomes back the old guard with open arms.
Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram have all been confirmed in the starting line-up after renouncing their international retirement a fortnight ago, and a capacity crowd will flock to the Stade de la Mosson hoping to witness a marked improvement on France's performances last season.
At Tuesday's press conference Domenech likened the trio's return to a club making three new signings, but was keen to dismiss talk of a new beginning. "Nothing has changed," he said. "Three top players have come in, but we already had big-name players in our squad. The only difference is that we now need more security at the team hotel. On the pitch nothing will change. I'll pick my best team with the objective being to win a football match."
With the key World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland less than three weeks away, Domenech acknowledged that tonight's match carries extra importance. "This is the only chance we will have to prepare for the last four qualifiers. There's no question of testing out a player, or testing a formation. We need to get it right now, then focus on winning our last four matches."
Jean-Alain Boumsong, Vikash Dhorasoo and Florent Malouda are set to lose their places, as Thuram returns to the centre of defence, Makelele joins Patrick Vieira and Jerome Rothen in a three-man midfield, and Zidane plays just behind a front-two of Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord. "Zidane is at his best playing in a central attacking role," commented Domenech. David Trezeguet, who will miss the next two qualifiers through suspension, is just back from injury and likely to start on the bench.
While certain fringe players may feel disappointed by recent developments, the injection of three high-class players, who have accumulated 231 international caps between them, is sure to boost the French. Yet given their current position, fourth in Group Four, Brian Kerr's tongue-in-cheek comment that the trio's return was a sign of panic may carry a semblance of truth.
After giving snappy, and often sarcastic, responses to the majority of the questions fired at him, Domenech insisted he was not interested in the views of his Irish counterpart. Instead he took the opportunity to repeat his dissatisfaction that Ireland have been granted permission to play their home matches in the latter stages of the campaign to allow for building work to be carried out at Lansdowne Road.
"Ireland can say what they like," Domenech grumbled. "All I know is that they have a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup because they pulled off a real coup by insisting they needed to play their last three matches at home."
Zidane confirmed that the coach's insistence had played a vital role in his decision to return, and said he was now focused on making a positive impact on the pitch. "It feels to good be back. Many of the players here are good friends of mine already, while others I'm just getting to know. Everyone has given me a warm welcome and now I'm desperate to put on the blue shirt again," said the 33-year-old.
So revered is Zidane in France that merely the sight of him on the pitch is likely to inspire his team-mates, while the adoring fans will cheer his every touch tonight. In awarding him the captain's armband somewhat against his will, Domenech is making it clear how important a role he feels Zidane has to play.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
FRANCE: Coupet (Lyon); Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Gallas (Chelsea), Givet (Monaco), Thuram (Juventus); Vieira (Juventus), Makelele (Chelsea), Rothen (Paris St Germain); Zidane (Real Madrid); Henry (Arsenal), Wiltord (Lyon).
IVORY COAST: Tizie; Meite, Boka, Toure, Domoraud; Zokora, Fae, Yapi-Yapo, Akale; Kalou, Drogba.
