Conference trucks::football;1

    Jammy French gits.
    
    Tony

    Re -1: Umph? Was it a scouser speaking?
    
    There is a possibility that some games in the group will be played
    BEFORE the Euro championships. All presidents will soon meet in Paris
    and we will see to it that we play Finland away in February...
    
    �JF?

    
    The Swedish president Tommy Svensson refuses to play any WC-qualifiers
    before Euro-92. We travel to Autralia during chrismas to play friendlys
    against Australia and New Zealand. We also have a friendly planned
    against Bulgaria in may, but that one may be cancelled due to the fact
    that Bulgaria is in our group.
    
    You won't find a pitch in Finland of descent standard in February, the
    whole country is snowed in. And i don't think that Finland is
    interrested in a game two months before their season starts...
    
    Mats

    Mats,
    
    
    It could be a good preparation for EURO to play world cup
    qualifications :-)
    
    Thierry

Gentlemen,

It's vacation-planning time!. Here are the fixtures for Group 6, it was
settled yesterday.

14-May-1992	Finland		-	Bulgaria
09-Sep-1992	Finland		-	Sweden	     Olympiastadion, Helsinki
09-Sep-1992	Bulgaria	-	France
07-Oct-1992	Sweden		-	Bulgaria     R�sunda, Stockholm
14-Oct-1992	France		-	Austria
28-Oct-1992	Austria		-	Israel
11-Nov-1992	Israel		-	Sweden	     Ramat-Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv
14-Nov-1992	France		-	Finland
02-Dec-1992	Israel		-	Bulgaria
17-Feb-1993	Israel		-	France
27-Mar-1993	Austria		-	France
14-Apr-1993	Austria		-	Bulgaria
28-Apr-1993	France		-	Sweden	     Parc des Princes, Paris
28-Apr-1993	Bulgaria	-	Finland
12-May-1993	Bulgaria	-	Israel
13-May-1993	Finland		-	Austria
19-May-1993	Sweden		-	Austria	     R�sunda, Stockholm
02-Jun-1993	Sweden		-	Israel	     R�sunda, Stockholm
16-jun-1993	Finland		-	Israel
22-Aug-1993	Sweden		-	France	     R�sunda, Stockholm
25-Aug-1993	Austria		-	Finland
08-Sep-1993	Bulgaria	-	Sweden	     Vassil Levsky, Sofia
08-Sep-1993	Finland		-	France
13-Oct-1993	Sweden		-	Finland      R�sunda, Stockholm
13-Oct-1993	France		-	Israel
13-Oct-1993	Bulgaria	-	Austria
27-Oct-1993	Israel		-	Austria
10-Nov-1993	Austria		-	Sweden	     Prater Stadium, Vienna
10-Nov-1993	Israel		-	Finland
17-Nov-1993	France		-	Bulgaria

The Swedish manager Tommy Svensson was quite satisfied after a hard battle with
Michel Platini about the Sweden/France fixtures. Tommy didn't want to play in 
August, and Michel wanted to play early in August. The 22:nd was a compromise.
"The fact that France was so percistent about the fixtures against us is
postive. It shows that France have a great respect for us" said Tommy 
afterwards.

I personally hope that our slot for US-94 is clear after our away game against
Austria. I hate to wait a week for the result between France and Bulgaria. All
Swedens home-games are played at R�sunda Fotbollsstadion in Solna, Stockholm.
You will see a lot of it during Euro-92 this summer. BTW, how is Paris in 
August?

Mats

    August is probably a very good time to visit Paris.
    In France there are still a lot of people taking their vacations
    in August, so Paris is less crowded, People are more friendly and there
    is much less traffic.On the other end there much more tourists ...
    
    By the way why your question about August, the match should be played
    in April according to your note.
    
    Regards, Thierry

    What Mats really has in mind is that he will be too bored to go to the
    Sweden-France game in August and that he would rather visit Paris and
    watch the game on TV in a caf�.
    
    :-)
    
    �JF?

    Paris is like London. There's NEVER a good time to visit.
    
    
    
    		Anon.

    Thierry,
    
    My brain is still in vacation-mode, of course i ment April. In 1980 i
    spent a week in Paris in August, and thats one of my most pleasant
    vacations i ever had. We had a very funny portier at our hotel. Whe we
    arrive he declared "I don't know what i hate most. Foreign tourists or
    French peole from the country-side." Later i asked him the way to a
    railway wagon in a Paris-forest where France surrendered to Germany during 
    the second world war. "There is no such place!!" he said angrily. So i
    asked him about ther place where France won their glorious victory over
    Germany in 1918 when the truce was signed. "Aha!!" he said with a smile
    and showed me the way. As you know it's the same railway wagon.:-)
    
    I always wanted to go to Paris one more time, and springtime 1993 looks
    like a perfect time.
    
    Mats                                 
    
     

>>>          <<< Note 133.7 by ULYSSE::CHAMPOLLION "Chris the Jester" >>>
>>>                           -< April is usually fine >-
>>>
>>>    What Mats really has in mind is that he will be too bored to go to the
>>>    Sweden-France game in August and that he would rather visit Paris and
>>>    watch the game on TV in a caf�.
>>>    
>>>    :-)
>>>    
>>>    �JF?
    
    I don't know i will survive if i sit in a Paris-caf� an watch Sweden-France
    on TV, waving my Swedish flag and see us win with 5-0. Probably i would end
    up in the Seine. No, it's much more pleasant to share the victory on
    R�sunda with 30.000 other Swedes.;-)
    
    Mats

    Blague � part, April in Paris can be either very rainy or very nice,
    depending on how early spring settles down. Can even be cold (well, 12
    degrees, England-like...).
    
    �JF?

    Mats,
    
    Good luck for the qualification and have a nice visit in Paris.
    I hope we donot end up in the same group during EURO92
    
    Thierry

    
    Finland	-	Bulgaria
    
       0		   3
    
    A good start for the Bulgarians. Finland Played fair good the first
    half (0-0 at tea-time), but fell apart in the second. The reports says
    that Stoichkov (sp?) from Bracelona made a poor performance, protesting
    against the ref and played hard himself. He was substituted after 70
    minutes.
    
    Mats

    
    Tonight Bulgaria play France, live on TF1 in France from 17:55 French
    time.  That's all I know, other than that I'll be watching.
    
    Ian

    
    ...and Sweden play Finland in Helsinki, and I will *not* be watching
    because the game is only available on the Garbage channels
    
    :-(

    
    Finland    -   Sweden
    
       0             1
    
    		   78' Ingesson (pen)
    
    A lucky win for Sweden against a strong Finnish team. Finland
    controlled the first half and had the most of the chances. They showed
    that you need to fight 100% on a pitch. The Swedish midfield held the
    ball to long and failed to get control over it. The Swedish defense
    held tight, much thanks to Ravelli who proved that he is the best
    goalie in Sweden at the moment.
    
    Finland started the second half with a ball in the post. Slowly Sweden
    began to get control over the midfield, but it was a very tight game.
    Four yellow cards for Sweden and three for Finland. The penalty was
    dubious. A shot at the Finnish goal, the goalie saved but lost control
    over it. Martin Dahlin went for the ball and fell over the goalie and
    the ref blowed his whistle. The Finnish team was very unhappy with the
    ref. Ravelli got injured in the last minutes and was substituted for
    Lasse Eriksson, but there was no danger of an equalizer.
    
    Two points without Thomas Brolin, Jan Eriksson, Kenneth Andersson and
    Roland Nilsson in the team is quite satisfying. But we need to shape up
    when we face Bulgaria in a month. Their 2-0 win over France is
    impressing, and they wont be easy to beat. The game is on national TV,
    Stefan.
    
    Mats

    
    Finland are a crap team, and as often happens when a crap team plays a
    (slightly) better team, especially at home, they will create and miss
    lots of chances and finally lose out to an unlucky/dodgy goal.
    
>    much thanks to Ravelli who proved that he is the best
>    goalie in Sweden at the moment.
                
    Yes. Frightening, isn't it? Anyway he was injured and will be gone for
    quite some time, hopefully for good. This may the moment someone
    (Fedel?) has been waiting for.
    
>    Two points without Thomas Brolin, Jan Eriksson, Kenneth Andersson and
>    Roland Nilsson in the team is quite satisfying. But we need to shape up
>    when we face Bulgaria in a month. Their 2-0 win over France is
>    impressing, and they wont be easy to beat. The game is on national TV,
>    Stefan.
 
    Ah, but remember the game is in Stockholm, so I'll be there of course.
    And I certainly expect us to be better when we play at home.
    
    Stefan
    
    

    
    I agree, Stefan. I don't know how many times i have sworn over Ravelli
    when he is glued on the goalline on corners and high balls. He's superb
    on close range shots, but too week in the air.
    
    The trouble is, who's gonna replace him? Eriksson has a lack of
    routine, and Fedel isn't ready yet. I wished Tommy Svensson had given
    other goalies som chances earlier. Perhaps Magnus Hedman from AIK is a
    successor, reports saysd that he made a great performance in the U-21
    game against Finland, despite the defeat. Spare us Jan Ekholm, i wonder
    how he ever got in that U-21 team.
    
    Jonny Fedel is a good goalie, with the right attitude to football.
    Sometimes he get's out of line whe the calls goes against him, but
    thats the lack of routine. I reckon Eriksson will be the goalie against
    Bulgaria.

    
    Well, in just over an hour I'm off to see Sweden's second game in this
    group against Bulgaria. I'm very worried about this game and memories
    of our infamous 0-1 home defeats through the 80's keep haunting me. We
    are fielding a weakened side with numerous liabilities.
    
    Bad points:
    
    - Thomas Brolin, Jan Eriksson and Roland Nilsson are all injured and won't
      play.
    - Stefan Pettersson is not and will.
    - Other key players like Thern and Limpar are clearly off form.
    - We still haven't got a goalkeeper.
    - Bulgaria is the kind of team that suits us very badly (very
      defensive, rapid on the counter attack)
    - In our two last matches we've been crap.
    
    Good points:
    
    - Bulgaria's two most known players, Stoichkov and (Iliev?) are
      suspended
    - Ravelli is injured.
    - There are no players from AIK in the Swedish team.
    - Sweden usually play pretty good when everybody expects them to lose.
    
    
    HEJA SVERIGE!!!!!!

I can only hope Bulgaria win handsomely. Then the second place would be a battle
between France and Sweden.

France play Austria next Wednesday. Cantona is back and we definitely need him.
Papin is still on the bench at Milan. He is craving to play.

�JF?

	Sweden - Bulgaria	2 - 0
	
	Sorry, I don't know more...
	

    
    Sweden	(0) 2 	(Dahlin, Pettersson)
    Bulgaria	    0
    
    In the old tradition of "performing well when it's least expected"
    Sweden solidly beat Bulgaria yesterday in front of 20,000 at R�sunda.
    
    Sweden started by setting up the pace and moving around the ball
    nicely. Sweden played very offensively, which was a good thing because
    the defense was exposed a few times. Without Jan Eriksson and
    Roland Nilsson it did look a little shaky at the back, and keeper Lars
    Eriksson had to make a couple of crucial saves. Fortunately, Sweden
    were so much in control that Bulgaria very seldom were allowed to
    counter attack.
    
    Dahlin scored the first goal on a header after a cross from Thern, this
    followed a long spell of ball control on the left flank. Pettersson
    scored the second in the roof of the net after a cross from Limpar.
    
    Limpar made his best performance for a very long time, Pettersson his
    best ever (excuses to him), Dahlin's qualities were fully utilized,
    Thern invisible but useful, Ingesson errant but everywhere.
    
    Stefan Schwarz was brilliant. Remember he was suspended in the
    Semi-Final against Germany this summer. Could we play the game again
    please? :-) Unfortunately he is prone to collect yellow cards, and he
    did so again in the dying minutes. This means he's suspended again for
    the next game Israel away in November.
    
    We still have problems with goal keepers. As I said Eriksson made a
    couple of good saves but didn't exactly ooze confidence.
    
    Sweden consists a quite a few players who are struggling in their
    respective foreign clubs. This match showed how good Limpar, Dahlin,
    Thern etc can be when they're inspired and allowed to do what they're
    good at. 
    
    A home win and a 100% record. We cannot ask for more. We still have a
    long road to travel though. It is the away games against Austria,
    Bulgaria and France that will decide it for us.
    

	France  2 - 0  Austria
	Papin
	Cantona
	
	I have not seen most of the game, so I won't comment. I only know
	that Papin missed a penalty and that Austria got 4 yellow cards...

								.Andre.

I saw the last 20 minutes of this match. Cantona ran the show - everything
started and finished with him - he stood head and shoulders above any other
player on the park. He looks clumsy when he moves; however he has superb vision
and dribbling skills - he'll probably be dropped for the next match after
another dispute with the French manager.

A game very much dominated by France. Papin scored a superb goal in 
3 minutes. He played a very good game I thought, but blasted the ball over 
the bar at the penalty. Amazing that a guy with such a consistent ability 
to hit the target can miss a penalty. At least 3 of Austria's yellow cards
were for dreadful challenges on Papin.

The cross from Vahirua, for Cantona to score, was beautiful.

Refereeing decisions went against France. On TV it looked as though 
Cantona cut the ball back before it crossed the line for Deschamps to 
score, and when Papin chipped the ball over the defence to leave Cantona 
totally unmarked in front of goal, the whistle blew for offside, but big 
Eric had timed his run to stay onside. He wasn't happy about that.

So only 2-0, but so close to 4 or 5. 

Gordon.  

Well, 2 points, 2 goals scored and none conceded, nice change.

BUT... I had the feeling I was watching the same useless team we've known 
for a year and especially the last 2 games, ie no collective intelligence.
The difference was Cantona. At last we had someone who was eager to get the ball
and do something with it. He did the passing to Papin for the first goal and
concluded the second.

After all this Houllier (manager) talk about using the wings, it was good to see
Vahirua come in at left wing. He instantly produced the cross for another 
clever Cantona chip for the second goal.

80% of the time was boring and at some point I thought the Austrians could
come back. Fortunately they were really bad. Bulgaria and Sweden will score
more than 2 against them I'm afraid.

At least we are not eliminated yet.

�JF?

    
    JF,
    
    Why so pessimistic?
    
    This group is still wide open, and so far the results are pretty normal
    (The contenders beat each other at home and everybody beats Finland)
    
    Bulgaria, France and Sweden will fight this out between them. Austria
    is still a mystery, so promising a couple of years ago and with so
    great traditions. I have a hunch that they might wake up a year or so
    from now, too late to qualify but enough to cause disturbances to the
    others. Israel and Finland will sneak a few points which may prove
    disastrous to the team they sneak them from.
    
    cheers,
    
    	Stefan

    
    I was very impressed by the French performance (as a team), they were
    quick, direct and showed much good skill.  They lost there way a couple
    of times when they tried to slow the game down, and at one time I
    thought they might even lose concentration and let the Austrians get
    back to one each.  Cantona and Papin made a GREAT combination.  
    
    The French has the ball in the net 6 times, 2 scored and 4 disallowed,
    I thought only one of those disallowed was dubious.  The ref did
    alright, not good, but not awful either.  It was a real shame Papin
    missed the penalty (not that he should have been awarded it), but 3-0
    would have been a fair scoreline, 2-0 didn't do the French justice.
    
    Ian

    
    	I am as pessimistic as JF.
    
        The French play lost consistency for quite long periods, overall
    in the second half. The midfield was quite disappointing, with this 
    Durand, which is an average player who has nothing to do at that level.
    We were very fortunate that the Austrian did'nt really try.
    
    However, this team may improve, with a for instance swap Durand/Martins
    and overall the come back of genuine wingers, Vahirua and Perez, who is
    really missing.
    
        Pierre-Yves

    JF or Gordon: for those exiles living in Britain now - what was the
    French team last night ??
    
    Merci - Ray

	And my marks

			MARTINI (nothing to do)

	SASSUS (6)    CASONI (6)  BOLI (8)  SAUZEE (9)

       DESCHAMPS (6)  FOURNIER (5)   DURAND (3)

       PAPIN (7)    CANTONA (10)  GRAVELAINE (5)

Subs: Vahirua (7) for Gravelaine, Gnako (7) for Fournier

�JF?

Hello Ray, how are you doing?


Hey JF, I thought I saw Laurent Blanc on the park. Was I mistaken?

And if he wasn't playing, do you know why not?


Gordon.

    
    Awfully quiet about this group... Austria beated Israel 5-2 last
    wednesday. Reports says that the victory was a bit too large. Anyone
    who saw the game?
    
    Mats

   Mats I saw the game, and the way the Austrians behaved you would have
thought they had beaten Germany. They deserved to win but not by a three goal
margin. Ronnie Rosenthal (Liverpool) was very unlucky not to have opened the
scoring in the first half when his lob landed on the crossbar with the keeper
stranded.

   Its no major feat to beat Israel at home, but it will boost their confidence
for a while. Austrias trainer Ernst Happel doesn't look the picture of health,
he can hardly talk, or walk and they make him trainer.......


                                                           -dave- 

    
    Sweden play it's last WC-qualification game fort this year tonight.
    Opponents is Israel, and i do hope for two more points in the bag.
    
    Good News; Tomas Brolin has recovered from his injury and will
               probably play tonight.
    
    Bad News;  Tomas Ravelli has recovered from his injury and will
               probably play tonight.
    
    Israels last result was promising, but we must keep track of Ronnie
    Rosentahl. The game is live on TV3, a sattellite channel. KO is 17.15
    Swedish time.
    
    Mats
    

    
    I'm very worried about this one. The Swedish team is hit by injuries
    and suspensions. The team will be a mix of semi-injured players,
    players off-form, players who can't get a first team spot in their
    clubs and players who aren't good enough for international Football.
    
    Add to this that Israel were reported to have played well against
    Austria despite losing 2-5. Israel in their first home game, when they
    still can find inspiration to beleive they can qualify, could turn out
    a nightmare opponent.
    
    I'll be very pleased with a draw.

    I don't think Israel will be an easy opponent, especially playing at
    home. They are definitely not in the "minnow" category. Sweden are 
    probably the stronger side, but you can't take anything for granted.
    
    My prediction 2-2
    
    Tom

    
    Result:
    
    Israel (1) 1 	(Banin)
    Sweden (1) 3	(Limpar, Dahlin, Ingesson)

France  2  Finland  1

    And what a terrible game that was! France barely escaped humiliation
    thanks to their striking force of Cantona-Papin who scored the
    two goals again. Those two have scored 99% of French goals for the
    last 2 years. Houllier's choices are ridiculous. No one on the
    wings and Irish-style play. This is my dream team:
    
    				MARTINI
    
    SASSUS		ROCHE		CASONI		LIZARAZU
    
    		DESCHAMPS			SAUZEE
                               CANTONA
    COCARD			PAPIN			VAHIRUA
    
    Subs: L. BLANC, PEREZ, GRAVELAINE, AMOROS
    
    With that line-up, the wings will be used for four fast and accurate
    men, Cantona would relay and Papin score loads.
    
    No chance as long as manager Houllier keeps disserting on "corridors"
    without actually using them.
    
    JF

    JF - what was the not so dreamy real team then (+ clubs if possible) ??
    
    Thanks - Ray

    
    	OK, JF, let's try to give mine:
    
    			     MARTINI
    
          SASSUS      BLANC          PRUNIER       LIZARAZU
    
                GINOLA                      SAUZEE  
    
        COCARD        PAPIN          CANTONA        PEREZ
    
    
    Reps:  Vahirua, Deschamps, Gravelaine, Martins, Casoni, Amoros
    
    
    About the match against Finland, once again, the midfield was poor,
    although it has been the strength of the France teams for a while.
    A more technical midfield is necessary. This also applies for the
    central defense.
    
    Pierre-Yves
    
    P.S. re -1
       The team versus Finland was:
    
    			     MARTINI (Auxerre)
    
    AMOROS (Marseille) BOLI (Marseille) CASONI (Marseille) LIZARAZU (Bordeaux)
      
       DURAND (Marseille)     DESCHAMPS (Marseille)    SAUZEE (Marseille)  
    
              GRAVELAINE (Caen)    PAPIN (Milan)     CANTONA (Leeds)      
    
    Reps: Carambeu (Nantes), Vahirua (Auxerre), Cocard (Auxerre), 
          Blanc (Montpellier)...
    
    
    			
    

Slight mistake... AMOROS was not there.

    			     MARTINI (Auxerre)
    
DURAND (Marseille) ROCHE (Paris SG) BOLI (Marseille) CASONI (Marseille)
							   LIZARAZU (Bordeaux)
      
         DESCHAMPS (Marseille)    SAUZEE (Marseille)  
    
              GRAVELAINE (Caen)    PAPIN (Milan)     CANTONA (Leeds)      
   

	Four remarks about the current lineup:

1) The team heavily relies on Marseille players, 5 in 11. Those 5 play either
   defense or midfield. Now can someone explain why this is so? Marseille has
   yet to prove something as a team (currently 5th in the league), and in
   general suffer from the exact same problems as the French lineup (poor
   defense and midfield, quiet attack...)
   
2) How on earth are you supposed to win a game (at home) when playing 5
   defenders and 2 midfield? Saturday night has clearly proven that we were
   loosing lots of balls in the midfield, and not regaining a whole lot...
   You'll never see scoring chances if you don't hold the midfield.

3) Am I the only one feeling that most players tend to be very static? Very
   few passes to someone running, most of the time you see lateral passing
   to someone waiting for the ball, and then once in a while someone reverts
   to the looooonnnnng pass type of play which is a piece of cake for the
   opponent defenders...

4) What was Durand doing on the field for 65 minutes??????

   What I would propose is to get rid of HOUILLER (the coach). He acts a lot
   like Graham Taylor... He comes up saying things like "it was good to see 
   this and that", "I was happy about..." when in reality the whole lot was
   crap (or close to). Seeing the results we achieved so far for the WC94
   qualification, there is little hope for France to be there...

								.Andre.

    Thanks for the team news.   Even though you boys may despise your
    national side, I would rather be watching them than Gazzaland.
    
    Ray

    
    Sometime in the last 14 days;
    
    Israel   -    Bulgaria
    
       0             2
    
    I saw some of the highlights on Eurosport last monday. Bulgaria had
    most of the chances, but Israel also had one or two posibilities to
    score, Rosentahl had one of them. Bulgarias first came from a mistake
    by the defense, and the second from a corner.
    
    Mats

Last night:


	ISRA�L  0 - 0  FRANCE

			Cantona
			Blanc (2)
			Roche


Convincing victory over a weak opponent. Took a bit of time to shape, with 1:0 
at half-time only despite numerous chances. The Cantona-Papin duet was 
impressive but Blanc on a header (corner) and then as a true center-forward
made it 3:0 with Alain Roche and a 35-yard shot, deflected, for the 4:0.

The team has found confidence again, they're fast, enthusiastic, back to their 
old form and they have two of the most dangerous men at the moment:

			CANTONA-PAPIN

Next game in Vienna against Austria.
France, Bulgaria and Sweden now share 1st place in the group.

Cheers
Relieved,
�JF?

re -.1

>	ISRA�L  0 - 0  FRANCE
>
>			Cantona
>			Blanc (2)
>			Roche
>

JF,

	What did Cantona, Roche and Blanc (twice) do that was so special if the
score was 0-0??

Al  :-) :-)

    JF,
    
    Any chance of an updated group table?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    France	4  3 0 1  8-3  6
    Bulgaria	4  3 0 1  7-2  6
    Sweden	3  3 0 0  6-1  6
    Austria	2  1 0 1  5-4  2
    Israel	4  0 0 4  3-14 0
    Finland	3  0 0 3  1-6  0

		AUSTRIA  0  -  1  FRANCE

				Papin (58')


	France did the minimum against a poor Austrian side. One good chance
for the Austrians early in the game on a Polster free-kick which hit the post.
Nothing else.
	The French had a couple chances and Papin scored on a good Gravelaine
pass, very near to being off-side but the linesman kept his flag down so
he went for it, past the goalie and in the net.
	France played defensively throughout and they got what they wanted.

	They now lead the table and the game against Sweden (28 April) will be
decisive.


Table:
-----

		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	5   4  0  1   9  3  8
    Bulgaria	4   3  0  1   7  2  6
    Sweden	3   3  0  0   6  1  6
    Austria	3   1  0  2   5  5  2
    Finland	3   0  0  3   1  6  0
    Israel	4   0  0  4   3 14  0

		AUSTRIA  3  -  1  BULGARIA



		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	5   4  0  1   9  3  8
    Bulgaria	5   3  0  2   8  5  6
    Sweden	3   3  0  0   6  1  6
    Austria	4   2  0  2   8  6  4
    Finland	3   0  0  3   1  6  0
    Israel	4   0  0  4   3 14  0

		Bulgaria 2 - 0 Finland
		France   2 - 1 Sweden


		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	6   5  0  1  11  4  10
    Bulgaria	6   4  0  2  10  5   8
    Sweden	4   3  0  1   7  3   6
    Austria	4   2  0  2   8  6   4
    Finland	4   0  0  4   1  8   0
    Israel	4   0  0  4   3 14   0

    
    France 2 (1)	(Cantona 2 (1 pen))
    Sweden 1 (1)	(Dahlin)
    
    Deserved win for France, although helped by the Italian ref who
    awarded them a typical home penalty just when they needed it.

Latest result:

	Bulgaria 2 Israel 2

                                   <<< Note 133.54 by CLARID::KREYER "Andre KREYER - Valbonne" >>>


	Updated group table

		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	6   5  0  1  11  4  10
    Bulgaria	7   4  1  2  12  7   9
    Sweden	4   3  0  1   7  3   6
    Austria	4   2  0  2   8  6   4
    Israel	5   0  1  4   5 16   1
    Finland	4   0  0  4   1  8   0

What a result for Israel ... 
How was the match ? did anyone see ?

Thierry

    
    Laters result:
    
    	Finland	    -      Austria
    
    	   3                 1
    
    17 min Paatelainen   90 min Zisser
    21 min Rajam�ki
    51 min Hjelm
    
    
    Jyrki
    

	Played yesterday:	Finland - Austria
				   3    -    1
	
	This seems to put at rest any hopes for Austria to qualify,
	although mathematically everything is still possible...


	Updated group table

		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	6   5  0  1  11  4  10
    Bulgaria	7   4  1  2  12  7   9
    Sweden	4   3  0  1   7  3   6
    Austria	5   2  0  3   9  9   4
    Finland	5   1  0  4   4  9   2
    Israel	5   0  1  4   5 16   1

		Sweden - Austria
		  1    -    0
	

	Updated group table

		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    France	6   5  0  1  11  4  10
    Bulgaria	7   4  1  2  12  7   9
    Sweden	5   4  0  1   8  3   8
    Austria	6   2  0  4   9 10   4
    Finland	5   1  0  4   4  9   2
    Israel	5   0  1  4   5 16   1

    
    Sweden 5 Israel 0.
    
    Assuming the previous table was correct.  The standings now are
    
    Sweden      6   5  0  1   13  3   10
    France      6   5  0  1   11  4   10
    Bulgaria    7   4  1  2   12  7   9
    Austria     6   2  0  4   9  10   4
    Finland     5   1  0  4   4  9    2
    Israel      6   0  1  5   5  21   1
    
	
    France and Sweden meet in Stockholm in August.  Both look good.
    
    Gary.

    Gary,         
    
    you're usually right but with Bulgaria still having to play both
    Sweden and France I wouldn't rule out this group going to the last
    game on Nov 17th.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    Stockholm Wednesday
    
    Sweden	5 (2)	Brolin 3, Zetterberg, Landberg
    Israel	0
    
    Att: 22,000
    
    While two 3rd rate footballing countries were battling it out in Oslo
    (a non-event which for some reason has attracted vast attention in
    this conference), Scandinavia's *only* top class team played a
    cat-and-mouse game with Israel. 
    
    This game marked the return to goal-scoring form of Thomas Brolin who
    scored a hat-trick. Israel were rubbish and were not helped by their
    left-back who was sent off after two mindless tackles when they were
    still only 1 goal down.
    
    Although still not in  the US, Sweden basically need to beat Finland
    at home (we have beaten them every time since 1966 and we meet them
    regularly) and get a point away at Bulgaria. Failing that there are
    bonus points to be grabbed from France home and Austria away. It looks
    good!
    
    Stefan        
    
    PS. Brolin's and Sweden's first goal was blatantly off-side and this
    was obvious from where I was sitting behind the goal and even more so
    from the TV pictures. I'm getting fed up with poor international
    referees/linesmen who invariably award outrageous penalties and
    ridiculous offside decisions to the home team. I refuse to beleive it's
    that difficult to be a ref. 

    Stefan,
    
    My we are touchy today aren't we? 
    
    I see what you mean after all Denmark did win the EC and Norway are top
    of their (easy) group so I can see how Sweden are the number one team
    in Scandanavia!
    
    (:==:) (:++:)
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
     Re. Finishing first or second in one's group....
    
     Somebody mentionned somewhere that teams, even if mathematically
    already qualified (Greece, Russia), would still battle it out in order to
    make sure that they would finish first in their respective groups and be
    seeded in the U.S.
    
     I have the nagging feeling that finishing first in the qualifying
    groups won't do much good as far as seeds are concerned. In the past
    FIFA  has come up with some pretty creative ways to pick up seeds in
    order to accomodate the "traditional" powers (number of wins in past
    worl cup, number of qualification to the final round, etc...).
     The top seeds list is always alomost the same (Brazil, Germany, Italy,
    Argentina,...). Don't forget that the organizing country usually
    receives a top seed. It has been a long time though since the host
    country is not a well-known football country..
    
     I assume that this will also end up being true in the U.S in 1994 i.e. FIFA
    and the organizing committee will do miracles to make sure that the
    "right" teams are in the "right" cities from and ethnic/cultural
    standpoint (ex: Mexico in LA, Ireland in Boston, Italy in NY,...).
    
    Am I off base?
    
    Jacques
    
    P.S: Too bad England won't make it.. I am sure the U.S would have loved to
    play them in Yorktown. The French would have even loaned Cantona/LaFayette
    for a game....
    
     

    
    Anybody remember the draw for Italia 90 and all the little coloured
    balls they used to try and keep a group from containing certain teams.
    and weighted Italy and Germany to avoid meeting a Group Winner until
    the Semi-Finals. A little bit of the money-spinning if you ask me.
    I suspect there will be again the little colored balls to achieve this.
                                                 ^...Oooops getting into
    the swing....
    
	Dezzz.
                 

    I don't know what the official seeding rules are but I think only the
    eternal trusting person will believe that the draw won't be loaded
    in some form or other.... I know i'm very cynical but we already know
    that Germany are seeded in group D in Chicago and the U.S in I think
    it is group C.
    
    Mexico whatever happens will somehow end up playing in L.A, Portugal
    in Boston or New York (close to Connecticut), Italy in boston or
    New York. 
    
    The SOuth american teams - always seem to be kept apart in the first
    round and we can but speculate that the U.S will somehow get as gooda
    draw as possible in their group to help them progress to the 2nd round
    and help the TV company.
    
    I knoiw this is all sceptical but let's look back at this note in
    December when the draw is made and see whether I was being paranoid or
    not.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    not that it's relevant to the outcome of either group 6 or group 5
    but does anyone know the results of
    
    Finland v Israel
    Iceland v Hungary
    
    both played on the 16th
    
    Regards,      
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    From USA Today:
    
    	Finland - Israel  0-0
        Iceland - Hungary 2-0
    
    Jacques

Jacques - thanks I think the group now looks like.
    
		Pl. W. D. L.  F  A  Pts.

    Sweden	6   5  0  1  13  3  10
    France	6   5  0  1  11  4  10
    Bulgaria	7   4  1  2  12  7   9
    Austria	6   2  0  4   9 10   4
    Finland	6   1  1  4   5 10   3
    Israel	7   0  2  5   5 21   2

    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    Let's play the prediction game....
    
    To be played:
    		08/22	Sweden -  France
    		08/25	Austria - Finland
    		09/08	Finland - France
    		09/08   Bulgaria - Sweden
    		10/13   France - Israel
    		10/13   Bulgaria - Austria
    		10/13   Sweden  - Finland
    		10/27   Israel -  Austria
    		11/10   Austria - Sweden
    
    My two cents:
    
    		Sweden will win at home versus France and Finland and away
    in Vienna and clinch the top of the group with at least 16 points,
    
    		France will win at home against Israel and away in Finland
    (although this one is certainly not in the bag...) and at least tie
    Bulgaria in Paris to finish with 15 pts.
     
    		And Bulgaria will win at home against Sweden and Austria
    and tie France in Paris to end up with 14 pts.
    
    		It might be all over by september if Sweden wins in
    Sofia...otherwise Papin and Cantona will take care of Bulgaria in
    November in Paris like Rocheteau and Platini did in 1977!
    
    Jacques
    
    
    
    
    Jacques
    		11/10	Israel - Finland
    		11/17   France - Bulgaria

    
    Friendly, Bor�s Sweden, att 14,000: 
    
    Sweden	1	(Dahlin)
    Switzerland	2       (two swiss guys)
    
    Disappointing result, promising play. Report later if I have time.
    
    cheers,
    
    	Stefan

    Anybody would care to post the result of Sweden-France?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jacques
    

    
    Match Drawn - 1 Each
    
    France looked good in the first half, playing possession football, but
    without looking particularly decisive.  A couple of good shots, one at
    least from Cantona, forcing saves from Ravelli.  In the second half the
    Swedes look like they were going to walk it.  They played, strong,
    incisive football.  Dahlin went close on a couple of occassions.  At
    the other end Sauze and Papin forced good saves from Ravelli.  After
    about 70 minutes (maybe someone will correct me here) Sauze scored with
    a typical goal from him, collecting the ball about 35 metres out,
    advancing, swerving and shooting from about 20.  Ravelli had no chance. 
    This was against the run of play at the time.  The Swedes continued to
    look dangerous, however, and Dahlin split the defence wide open running
    on to a long through ball, one touch was enough to lift the ball past
    Lama.
    
    Overall a good game, Lizarzu (I forget how to spell his name properly,
    the French no: 3) was booked.  The game was played in a very good
    spirit throughout, and there were only three stoppages for injury.
    
    I thought the French looked throughout the game as if they would be
    happy to come away with the draw.  Sweden more than deserved their
    equaliser.
    
    Regards,
    Ian

    What's the table now ?
    
    Thierry

    
        The three nations which can qualify
    
    	France:   11 pts
        Sweden:   11 pts
      Bulgaria:    9 points
    
        The next round (8 th ?) of September will be probably decisive:
    
        Finland - France 
        Bulgaria - Sweden
    
        A victory in Finland will probably qualify France, as the two 
        remaining matches will be 
        France - Israel
        France - Bulgaria
        and it is now assumed that 14 points will do it.
    
        Another good idead would be a victory of Sweden in Bulgaria, which 
        would probably qualify both France and Sweden
    
        Pierre-Yves
        
        
     

    Thanks. Thierry

    Last night:
    
    	AUSTRIA 3 - 0 FINLAND
    
    No change in standings.
    
    Next game is Finland-France on September 8th. A French victory and we
    are practically through.
    
    �JF?

FYI

	Sweden		7  5  1  1 14  4 11
	France		7  5  1  1 12  5 11
	Bulgaria	7  4  1  2 12  7  9
	Austria		7  3  0  4 12 10  6
	Finland		7  1  1  5  4 12  3
	Israel		7  0  2  5  5 21  2

Al

    JF (.79)
    
    A victory for Sweden on the 8th would also barring some mathematical
    freak qualify both Sweden and France since they will both be 4 points
    clear of Bulgaria with 2 games to play, more goals, more wins and a
    better goal difference ...
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    FINLAND  0  -  2 FRANCE
    
    BULGARIA 1  -  1 SWEDEN
    
    Well that seems to settle the group pretty nicely.
    
    France now needs 1 point and they meet Israel, Bulgaria and Austria at
    home next. Although not yet done, let's say we are at 95%.
    
    Sweden looks like they will clinch the second slot.
    
    The Finland-France game was the typical game between a technically
    inferior team but with great physical and commitment skills and France,
    superior technically but having difficulties in approaching the box.
    Not a very good game by alla accounts but 2 goals on frozen action: a
    corner, a goalie which misjudges the trajectory and Laurent Blanc heads
    it home. And a penalty after Papin' been brought down just outside (?)
    the area. Papin converted.
    
    The team showed solidarity throughout but there were some shaky moments
    in defence. The Finns hit the post once and Lama saved what should have
    been a goal. The French are much better at attacking.
    
    We can now concentrate on internal matters 8-(.
    
    �JF?
    

    
    A small correction JF
    
    France already played Austria 2 times:
    
    France - Austria  2-0
    Austria - France  0-1
    
    USA here we are !!
    
    PYV
      

    
    Oh, yes, I forgot the Cantona...
    
    YES, he played.
    Had a very good start, but went average after the first 15 minutes.
    A very good chance though 4th minute with a perfect header.
    
    We have seen him better.
    
    PYV
    

    
    All I saw of the French game was the two goals, Blanc good header,
    Papin was brought down OUTSIDE the box, but in mid-air, plus the
    Cantona header, good header, good save, and Papin brought down INSIDE
    the box, but no penalty.  I guess from those (unbiassed French TV)
    highlights France deserved to win!!
    
    Ian

    
    Anybody bother to give us the table and coming games?
    
    Thanks to whoever does.
    
    Hermann

    
                    Group 6
                                       GP    W    D    L    GF    GA   Pts 
                    France              8    6    1    1    14     5    13  
                    Sweden              8    5    2    1    15     5    12  
                    Bulgaria            8    4    2    2    13     8    10  
                    Austria             7    3    0    4    12    10     6  
                    Finland             8    1    1    6     4    14     3
                    Israel              7    0    2    5     5    21     2
    
                    Group 6
                            13.10.93: France-Israel
                            13.10.93: Bulgaria-Austria
                            13.10.93: Sweden-Finland
                           27.10.93: Israel-Austria
                            10.11.93: Austria-Sweden
                            10.11.93: Israel-Finland
                            17.11.93: France-Bulgaria
    
      
    
    

    
    	Just a reminder, as there have not been any comments about 
    this game:
    
    France plays Israel tonight (20 h 45 live) at home.
    
    A victory and that's it ! 
    
    Pierre-Yves
    
    

    So, did we win ?
    
    I went to a local pub here in Detroit to watch Holland-England and they
    kept flashing results from every other game you could think of...
    except France-Israel!
    It looks like Sweden beat Finland 3-2 and Bulgaria trounced Austria
    4-1.
    
    How about les Bleus?
    
    Jacques

    Jacques,
    
    I assume you were watching the same feed i was (Sportschannel/Prime
    with Martin TYler commenting)? so yes both sweden and bulgaria won
    which means that Sweden still haven't definitely clinced a place 
    (a loss to Austria and france losing to Bulgaria would see them miss
    out).
    
    My last attempt at BBC World service gave every score except France
    and the Portugal v Switzerland game but did say that Norway were the
    only team to definitely qualify - this would imply that france didn't
    beat israel - surely not? - sorry to not be able to put you out of
    your misery.
        
    anyway, minus the france score here's the current table
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks


                Group 6
                                   GP    W    D    L    GF    GA   Pts  
                Sweden              9    6    2    1    18     7    14   
                France              8    6    1    1    14     5    13   
                Bulgaria            9    5    2    2    17     9    12   
                Austria             8    3    0    5    13    14     6   
                Finland             9    1    1    7     6    17     3    
                Israel              7    0    2    5     5    21     2    

		Group 6
                        13.10.93: France-Israel
                        13.10.93: Bulgaria-Austria	4-1
                        13.10.93: Sweden-Finland	3-2
                        27.10.93: Israel-Austria
                        10.11.93: Austria-Sweden
                        10.11.93: Israel-Finland
                        17.11.93: France-Bulgaria



                  

	France - Israel  2-3

	Eduard

    
    An ENORMOUS surprise.
    
    The French were so sure to win (after an away win 4-0 in Israel) that 
    they underestimated their opponents, playing "easy".
    OK, it was raining cats and dogs in Paris, and Roche (central defender) 
    was injured and still in the field at the first Israeli goal.
    
    But, the French team was not in the game. The defense was absent on the
    three goals. Cantona missed almost everything he did (poor passing,
    poor finishing), Papin missed sitters, etc, etc...
    Despite this, France dominated the wole game, leading 2-1 ... 7 mins
    before the end of the game (Sauz�e, and a beautiful goal from Ginola).
    Two counter attacks from Israel, two goals, the last one at the
    ultimate second injury time. 
    
    We have to felicitate the Israeli, who seriously improved their
    football. 
    
    Fortunately, France has a Joker: we must win versus Bulgaria the 17 th
    of November, and keep in mind that we are not (yet) in the States.
    
    Disappointed
    Pierre-Yves
    
    P.S. This defeat at home is the first one in World Cup since ... 1968
    
     
    

    
    ....and it means that Sweden have definitely qualified....so whoever
    wins in November (France or Bulgaria) goes through. A draw would favour
    France I believe.
    
    JBG

    Nothing's certain yet, is it? Any two of the top three teams
    may qualify. France should be aware of the fact that
    in all the latest games Bulgaria has played, they've been
    awarded a penalty within the first half hours - rightly or
    wrongly. 
    
    
                Group 6
                                   GP    W    D    L    GF    GA   Pts  
                Sweden              9    6    2    1    18     7    14   
                France              9    6    1    2    16     8    13   
                Bulgaria            9    5    2    2    17     9    12   
                Austria             8    3    0    5    13    14     6   
                Israel              8    1    2    5     8    23     4    
                Finland             9    1    1    7     6    17     3    

		Group 6
                        13.10.93: France-Israel		2-3
                        13.10.93: Bulgaria-Austria	4-1
                        13.10.93: Sweden-Finland	3-2
                        27.10.93: Israel-Austria
                        10.11.93: Austria-Sweden
                        10.11.93: Israel-Finland
                        17.11.93: France-Bulgaria
    

    By my calculations, Sweden have qualified. Since France & Bulgaria have
    to play each other, there's no way they can both finish above Sweden
    even if Sweden lose in Austria.
    
    A draw or a win in their final game will suffice for France.  Bulgaria 
    have to win to qualify.
    
    Dave

    
    NU (Nordic Union)
    
    
    
                                                         /
                                                         \        /\
                                                       :) \_____ /  \_
                                                           \     \
                                                            \     \
            _	    _       _       _       _       _       / _   /
    	_	_ 	_	_	_	_	_        /_
    
    
    Hello everybody we are leaving most of you for a little trip to US!
    
    The Swedish Swagman
     

    >>    By my calculations, Sweden have qualified.
    
    Sorry about that. Maths never was my forte.
    Just wishful thinking, maybe, coming from a Norwegian...  ;^)
    

    Did not watch the France-Israel game last night. Biggest upset since
    Norway beat us in Strasbourg in 68. Unbelievable. Looks like they could
    not hold on the to 2:1 score. Maybe we were missing a clever midfielder
    to cool it off (� la Luis Fernandez).
    
    Well, exciting game against Bulgaria and tough tactics. 
    A draw will be enough, Bulgaria will need a victory in Paris, should we
    attack or wait? Roll on November.
    
    I will watch the game tonight.
    
    �JF?

    Surely Sweden are through aren't they? i'm confused after the last
    half-dozen replies..
    
    Andrew.D.wicks

>    Surely Sweden are through aren't they? i'm confused after the last
>    half-dozen replies..
	Based on the points:
		Sweden	 14
		France   13
		Bulgaria 12
	there is no doubt about Sweden, they will be in the US, because
	given worst case (they loose against Austria), only ONE of the
	2 other teams could either reach 14 or 15 (France)
	
	Simple, isn't it?
	
								.Andre.
	
P.S:	I'm still not convinced this bunch of overpaid (for most) and
	overrated (for some) did it to us/me!!! Loosing 3-2 when it was
	probably easier to win is just something that needed to be done!

    
    I watched the whole game live on French telly, weather was attrocious,
    I got the same stuff just about half-time (very wet!!!).  I thought
    France played very good, very sharp, very fast football (especially
    taking the conditions into account), dare I say it, they reminded me of
    the Brazilian side of the 70's (maybe that's because Pele was at the
    game).
    
    I guess the French just never quite took their chances, as has already
    been said, Big Eric had an off night (again for the National team) none
    of his little touches went where they were supposed to, and he didn't
    do much else.  One good (parfait) pass to JPP who volleyed into the
    keeper's (greatful) arms.  JPP was quiet overall.
    
    Inspired play from David Ginola, excellent throughout, he was
    substituted towards the end, presumably for exhaustion.  Sauze, LeGuen
    (spelling?) and Desailles (spelling again?) were also good.  
    
    The goals, 1st Israel, acceleration and good control and pass at speed
    from Ronny Rozenthal (why doesn't he get picked by Souness?), a deep
    cross, flying header at the far post by Atar (spelling - their no. 10),
    back to the no. 9 who stuck it in.  The header was something else,
    flying one way and moving the ball at about 120 degrees to the
    direction of travel.
    
    Excellent shot along the ground from Sauze, no great power, perfectly
    placed.  And then, Ginola (my man of match incidentally) placed a shot
    inside the right hand post from the left corner of the 18 yard box.
    
    2-1 half time, France just couldn't get the ball in.  Eric had one
    overhead, bicycle type volley from 4 yard which went for a throw!!!
    
    Near the end, Israel pressure, France couldn't clear, several shots,
    great save, but then attempted hand save by a defender, but he carried
    the ball over the line anyway, sensible ref. (Irish I think) gave the
    goal not a penalty.  Then 3 minutes of injury time played, Ronny again,
    acceleration speed, control, cross from the goal line to penalty spot
    volleyed home left foot by Atar again.  Him, Ronny and the left back
    were the pick of the Israel side.
    
    Overall the French looked excellent, but were beaten by good,
    oportunist, Israeli goal-scoring.  It wasn't all one-sided.
    
    Ian

    I remember seeing Ronnie's hatrick against Crystal Palace at
    Sainsbury's a few years back. As we last scored in the league on Aug
    28th why not play him?
    
    I'm sure I could invoke "cunnoism" and point out that both Wales and 
    Israel fielded Liverpool (or ex-Liverpool) strikers all of whom scored 
    whereas England left two out, Eire were without theirs and the rest is 
    history.
    
    Of course I'm only joking (:==:)
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks
                         

    Israel v Austria result anyone?
    
    and did Ronnie score again
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    1-1 and Rosenthal scored for Israel - after about 30 seconds I think
    
    Paul

    
    Cantona has been (red) booked last night with MU.
    
    Anybody knows if the forthcoming suspension will apply to 
    France - Bulgaria ?
    
    If yes, Cantona would have reached his goal, i.e. not to play anymore 
    in Paris (disgusted with the crowd who dared to boo him, what a
    disgrace !)
    
    PYV  

    Any significant changes in the French squad for the game against
    Bulgaria ? After the debacle aginst Israel will Houillier make any
    adjustment to its defense ? How fit are JPP and Canto ?
    
    Jacques

From what I gather the major change is that the left winger (Ginola?) against
Israel is being dropped. This is the guy who laid on the pass for  Sauzee to
score, and who then himself scored a superb solo effort. 

The French manager was quoted in a paper as saying that if he had to play the 
Israel match again he would not play in 4 3 3 formation but in 4 4 2. 
So, I think that is what he will do against the Bulgarians, hence the dropping 
of a forward. 

Ginola is in a huff, saying that no-one would ever consider dropping either 
Papin or Cantona no matter how they played. He probably has a point since he 
was much more effective against Israel than these two together.

The French Manager (whose name I never remember) is saying that Ginola is not 
in the squad because he has a disruptive influence on harmony and 
team-spirit. 

The tension is building up. France are still sick at not having clinched their
place in the US against Israel. France need to draw against Bulgaria, 
but the Bulgarians will fight to the end because if they win, it's they who 
go to the US. 

What will Big mad Eric get up to if France fail to qualify for the World Cup?
Who would be referee for this one?

Gordon.

    
    Another MAJOR change:
    
    Basile Boli will not play, his injury being back.
    Will be replaced by Dessailly
    
    It's really mad not to put Ginola in the squad. He is more a midfield
    than a winger, and if we compare him with the other ones, he surely
    outclass Guerin and others, except may be Sauz�e. 
    France much be very rich not to select a world class player like him,
    along with another guy such as Martins.
    
    Hope this will not cost us the qualification.
    
    PYV   

    
    Boli out is not bad news, my view of him is that he is over-rated!
    
    But how can any manager not include the best player from the last
    game?!?  Ginola was magic (see my earlier note).
    
    Perhaps the French manager is trying to provide evidence that he is
    qualified to take ober as ENGLAND manager!
    
    Ian

    Ginola may be world-class at the moment by lining him means taking
    Cantona out.
    
    That is the real question, since I can't see the 3 of them playing
    together (with Papin I mean).
    
    Papin-Cantona scored most of the goals for the last 3 or 4 seasons.
    What they need is someome behind feeding them. Ginola is not that type
    of player. He really is a forward, works the wings excellently and can
    score in any position.
    
    Houllier plays it safe with Cantona and Papin. He also knows they want
    to show their ability which has been questioned of late. My guess is
    that if we can't score or are trailing, he will substitute Le Guen or
    Gu�rin with Ginola.
    
    Isn't Martins playing? He is exactly the sort of man Eric and JPP need.
    When he is not out there, Cantona steps back to get the ball, leaving
    Papin on his own. And Cantona then does loses the ball often, which
    means instant danger. Leave Cantona upfront by having a passer of
    Martins's class behind.
    
    As an aside, did you know Martins was high on the list of players
    wanted by AC Milan? In the end they went for Desailly (Marseille and
    National Side defender/midfield), probably because of Maldini's injury.
    
    Voil�.
    
    My prediction: 1-1  Goals by Penev (free-kick, 29") and... Cantona
    (80'). The last ten minutes will be unbearable, will go into 5 minutes
    of injury time and then..............................................
    
    	      !!!!!!!!!!!  FRANCE in the US !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
    �JF?                  

    
    JF,
    
    Your (excellent) analysis reminds me however a previous similar 
    debate some years ago:
    "You know, we can't field Giresse, cause it will be him or...Platini !
     They cannot play together etc... etc..."
    
    Eventually Hidalgo tried anyway them both, and you know the result.
    My feeling is that real class players can play together, may be with
    some adaptation matches. 
    Don't forget that many PSG goals went from Ginola crosses. I can see
    his crosses to Cantona or Papin without problems. 
    
    Anyway, this m<atch will be tough !
    It would be incredible to be eliminated knowing that 7 minutes from the
    end we were qualified knowing that Israel had to score twice in 7
    minutes in Paris to prevent us to be qualified...what they did !
    
    Good luck this time !  They need us in the US.
    
    PYV
     
    
    

    Could I ask someone to update the score in this conference ? I am going
    to be on pins and needles until then....
    
    I was planning to go to a local pub and catch any game expecting live
    updates from Paris fro the same price.... just found out that the fed
    has been cancelled from Toronto. 
    
    I tell you that much if NAFTA was in effect we would not have to deal
    with that...
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jacques 

    Jacques,
         
    If you can find a bar that just has the normal cable TV Sportschannel on 
    then they will showing score updates on screen during the Italy v portugal
    game.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    Andy,
    
    thanks.... I don't think I will be able to....
    
    I just called my folks..... It sounds like Bulgaria has just tied the
    game at 1 a piece after a goal from Cantona....
    
    Come on guys... don't do that to me!
    
    Jacques
    

    
    Final Score...
    
    Bulgaria 2  France 1
    
    Del

    Jacques, JF etc...
    
    sorry you guys won't be coming, bit of a shocker screwing up
    against both Israel and Bulgaria.
    
    regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    It can't be.....
    
    I can't believe it! Tell me it's a bad dream....
    
    Jacques

    
    
    You an me both pal.
    
    
    Gazzer

    JF,
    you probably have a cooler head than I do.... what happened? My parents
    told that the Bulgarian scored when the game was almost over.... is
    that true?
    
    How can we let this one get away from us....again? Memories of
    Sevilla...
    
    We probably let the qualification escape against Israel....My seven
    year old little boys was sad when I came home and told him the bad
    news....
    
    Jacques

    France relaxed in the last minute, and got nailed....
    
    ....I've never heard silence like there was the moment the final
    whistle went.
    
    -Dom

In the 90th minute, with 10 seconds of the game left, Bulgaria scored.
Great joy for them, but so, so sad for France. 

Bulgaria fought hard all game, but didn't threaten the French goal very often.
France did nearly all the attacking in this game, and looked for long periods
to be well in control. 

5 minutes after Cantona's goal, Blanc got homself in a bit of a panic and gave 
away a corner. The result was a good headed goal, but very much against the run 
of play.

In the last 15 minutes the Bulgarians began to open up a bit, looking for the 
winner. It still looked as though France could contain them and would probably 
be the team to score if any.

And then at the end, with everybody waiting for the final whistle, to start 
the celebrations - BOOM! - a long ball forward into the French box, and a 
rocket shot into the roof of the net. The sky caved in.

I saw it, but I'm not sure I believe it yet. What disappointment for France!

Gordon.

 

    
    It is a sad day for us in Sweden because we really wanted to see 
    Denmark and France qualified for the US next year...
                                                            
     /\
    /  \      /\
    :-( _____/  \_
    \  /    /
     \/    /                           /\_         
           \                      * ( /_________________|/
    (SWE)  _\                     *  /                _____
                                  __/   (DEN)   +_ . /_______________|/
                                                +   /
                                                ___/     (FRA) 
    tHe sWeDiSh sWaGmAn
    

    
>    It is a sad day for us in Sweden because we really wanted to see 
>    Denmark and France qualified for the US next year...
     ^^^^^^^
    
    Speak for yourself, please. France perhaps, Denmark no way!
    
    Stefan (who is extremely pleased that those overrated pastry bakers
    stay at home, although I'm sure they'll try to find a way to cheat
    themselves in, just like Euro '92)

    
    While I also fell sorry for the Danes, let's face it, they got into
    the Euro championships by default so they can have no complaints.
    
    Denis.

>    While I also fell sorry for the Danes, let's face it, they got into
>    the Euro championships by default so they can have no complaints.

Didnt they miss out on the 1990 world cup by a similar margin? I seem
to remember that all the "bubblegum" stickers for Denmark players had
already gone to the printers.

    I keep coming back to this note to try to understand...get an answer...
    who is responsible for this disaster?
     
    USA-Today has a picture of Pedros struggling with a Bulgarian player to
    get control of the ball. What was he doing there? We take out Ginola who
    supposedly was one of the best players during the "game" versus Israel
    and we put a rookie like Pedros when the qualification is on the line !
    What is going on Houiller?
    
    I can't help to be angry at the  players for blowing it the way they did
    especially against Israel. I got news from France a little late around
    here but it happens that I just received a tape with the first rugby
    test against Australia; I also got Tele-Foot at the end of the tape. And
     what do I see and listened to? Papin, all p...ed off because he was
    booed after missing a sitter against Israel. Who does he think he is? 
    And is the rumor true that he and Cantona worked on getting Ginola out of the
    team. Where is the coach ?
    
    I went back and read most of the replies in this note to try to understand
     ... to find a clue. And when you look at the coverage of the French games
    it looks like this team had no spine. No character. We were at the mercy
    of Cantona and/or Papin showing up. We were never capable to really
    impose our game to either Finland or Austria. So if you look at it whithout
    emotions (trust me... it is hard for me to do), we probably did not
    deserve to qualify. We can't even manage to TIE Israel at home for crying
    out loud!
    
    Houiller (who appears more like a bean counter to me than a coach...
    has the guy ever played football before?...he probably has a poster of
    George Boulogne above his bed...) and his gang should be ashamed for
    letting us down.
    
    Andy, 
    thanks for you kind words.. It's gonna take me a while before I can
    recover from this one. I just came to Chicago today and the sports
    section of the Chicago Tribune has a big color picture of Kostadinov
    celebrating after his goal.....This is hard to swallow.
    
    Jacques - a very partial French.
    
    
    

    
    Jacques,
    
    It 's rather difficult to identify the actual causes of this disaster.
    However, IMO, you have several points in your analysis:
    
    1) To be honest, they rarely outclassed their opponents during the 
       tournament, and won mainly due to the personal skills of Papin,
       Cantona and Sauz�e (and some luck sometimes).
    
    2) The trainer. Your parrallel with Boulogne (a nightmare for me) is 
       very good. Houiller, in addition with his blatant lack of charism,
       is not the man to extract the best from international players. 
       (He could be a good/average club trainer, dealing with non-stars).
       We never seen a consistency in the playing tactics. However, he had
       a few critics because the team was winning though.
       By the way, in a press conf yesterday, He and the Fed announced that
       the will be present until mid-94. What a pity !
       He also severely criticised Ginola for his attitude and for having 
       crossed at the last minute instead of keaping the ball. In other
       words, for him, Ginola is responsible of the defeat. What a lack of
       class ! (I am disgusted)
    
    3) It seems true that there are problems between the tandem
       Papin/Cantona and Ginola. But a good trainer must impose his 
       discipline.
    
    4) back to the tactics: again a trainer problem. His views were that 
       good 'workers' would better fit against Bulgaria than artists. It
       was his main errors. How can you leave out Ginola, Martins and 
       Djorkaeff and take instead Le Guen, Guerin and Pedros ? Incredible !
       Houiller said this morning that the improvement margin of this team 
       was to have more technical players in mid-field !!! A bit too late !
    
    5) It also seemed that we nevertheless would have qualified easily 
       without a personal failure of one defender at the 2 last matches:
       Laurent Blanc. He is responsible of the two late Irsraeli goals, 
       panicked and give a corner to Bulgaria for the 1st goal, and IMO 
       is also responsible for the killing goal !
       He is a good player, but should no loger play libero, and come back
       to a midfield place !
    
     Anyway, it's hard to accept this elimination, as we probably had 
     the best team (badly managed) of the group, and as we were 99% qualified
     before the Israel match. Even the above points hardly explain how they 
     could blow it up ! It's probably in the French mentality not be able
     to finish something !
     
     OK, let's think that we are the first team qualified for the next WC
     (if we 'll still organize it)
    
     PYV 
         
    
    
    
    
    
     
     

    Pierre-Yves,
    
    I talked to my brother today and he also told me that fingers were
    being pointed at Ginola...Being far from the action I havent; seen much
    of him lately so I can make any judgement on Ginola as a player... 
    but where was the midfield and the defense on this play. 
    It's probably going to end up as a major pain but I will have to take a
    look a the tape as soon as I receive it. And why did he come in in the
    first place? I may sound a little bit cynical but at 1-1 and the 
    qualification on the line aren't we better off bringing fresh legs in 
    midfield or in defense...which brings us back to Houiller ! What a
    shame that this turkey will remain in action until mid-94....
    
    My brother also told me that Desailly was the only one who had a fair
    game  while putting Stoichkov (sp?) in his pocket....
    
    I agree with your last comment... we are able to blow it before 1998
    (Grand stade, corruption and all...) and see the world cup re-assigned
    to Japan or god knows where.
                   
    Jacques

    
    	Jacques,
    
    	It is a fact that Ginola should have kept (and he has the skills to
    do it) the ball some time instead of crossing. But, afterwards, the 
    others are to blame as well, as the Bulgarians could bring back the 
    ball in 4 passes without any opposition. At the end of the action,
    Roche was fighting against Konstandinov, and failed to stop him. May be
    he sould have been a bit cynical , like some "great Teams" we know, and
    stopped him with a foul.... The TV replayed again the goal....
    It was got at exactly 89 mins... 59 seconds of effective game.
    
    On the other hand, I realise that I did not mention the point which 
    might be in fact the main explaination of the elimination....
    - The Marseille-Valenciennes story.
    Before this, France had aligned 6 consecutive wins and a draw (in
    Sweden), brilliant results. The Marseille saga happens...
    and then two consecutive defeats at home agains not that good
    opposition. 
    Something might have been broken. Now the antaginism between
    Marseillais (or ex-Marseillais) and Parisians is blatant, as well as
    the problems between the FFF and Marseille, which recently provided the
    backbone of the selection.... I am pretty sure they is a causal
    relation between the "affair" and the Nat. team results.
    
    PYV

Just heard on the (British) radio - Houllier's resigned!

g

    So who is replacing him ?

    Grahame Taylor ! :-)
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt).