France has finally scrapped though the group stage and qualified as the second team behind Switzerland from Group G to the round of 16 where they will encounter Spain.

The journey to the round of 16 has more ups and downs than the ones coach Raymond Domenech had planned for. First two matches France struggled and had two draws against Switzerland and Korea. They could only able to score one goal against Korea and had Zidane and Abidal suspended for the final group match.

The result against Togo might be suggesting that it is prudent to drop Zidane as France played its best 45 minutes in the tournament, scored two goals twice more than it has scored in five matches after crowned World Champion on that glorious night in Paris.

The individual performances of the players was also an improvement over the previous one. Viera played commandingly in the middle while Makalele did the breaking part. Ribery is a revelation for the French team in this world cup, he is the one who is making most of the runs and creating opportunities for the strikers. Overall the performance of the midfield looked lively compare to the previous two matches.

This French team dearly needs some infusion of pace in the system and Zidane so far has unable to provide it but the question is, will the one who replaces him be able to provide it.

The answer to the above question is no, France tried almost everything in the qualifying and trust you me without Zidane intervention they wouldnt even be participating in this competition.

So what should France do?

The best solution will be to change the formation of the team, instead of this 4-4-2, which France presently playing they should opt for a more attacking formation.

With the kind of players available France should opt for a 4-2-1-3 formation. Viera and Makalele sitting in front of the back four, with Zidane in the free role and Ribery and Henry on the outside with Trezeguet in the middle.

With Silvester on left and Sangol on right I believe France will get the width and they will able to target Trezeguet more efficiently.

The next match in round of 16 to my mind will be the last for them in this world cup as I dont believe they will able to beat the in form Spanish side. Spain will have most of the possession and it will be mighty difficult for the ageing French side to run them out of the park. So the best option of now is hit them on counter and bring in aerial threat as Cassillas is not the best in the world to handle those crosses.

Viva Les Bleus Viva Les Bleus