France beat the Ticos, 2-1 in a friendly that saw flowing, attacking football.
Les Bleus looked sharp with Franck Ribery providing most of the attacking thrust down the left, cutting in with speed and foot skills. Jeremy Toulalan anchored the midfield with his holding duties while setting free Yoann Gourcuff who is looking to take over Zidane’s creative role, peppering the Ticos with his set pieces and long distance bombs.
The defense looked like a mini subset of Arsenal with Bakar Sagna and William Gallas. The Arsenal central defender sought to allay injury concerns as Raymond Domenech played him for a half before replacing him with Sebastian Squillaci.
Costa Rica took the lead as Carlos Hernandez struck a rasping shot across goal that beat Steve Mandanda in the 11′. France struck back with Toulalan taking possession of the ball before releasing the fleet footed Ribery who was able to beat a very game Keylor Navas.
Bryan Ruiz, the FC Twente sensation then tested Mandanda with a fiercely struck left footed drive that the L’OM custodian was just able to tip over. France had a series of good chances through Gourcuff, Squillaci, and Henry but Navas was able to see them off.
In the 83′ minute, Abou Diaby dazzled with some very nifty footwork before laying of a pass to substitute Mathie Valbuena, making his French debut. The L’OM midfielder who has had one of his most successful domestic seasons, made a dream start by finishing off emphatically.
Raymond Domenech employed an attacking 4-3-3 which yielded impressive dividends on attack but there are questions at the back. France are in Group A with Mexico, Uruguay, and hosts South Africa. Their biggest rivals are the Celeste brimming with firepower with Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, the Eredivisie’s top scorer by a mile. Mexico has an outside chance while SA has made some positive impact with a series of impressive results and will be counting on home support to spring a shock.