Football Best Bet

France

In the opening fixture of the group of death, France will be going head to head with Romania. Captain Patrick Vieira from France will miss out on this match.

Although France will be without their Captain, the likes of Mathieu Flamini or Claude Makelele will be stepping up to replace him in that position. Although Vieira is a huge lost for the French side but I think either AC Milan’s new boy Flamini or Chelsea’s veteran Makelele will be able to step up to this fixture.

Beside Vieira, France may be without Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery due to minor injuries. But with the talents available in the French squad they will be able to cope even if the duo is unable to start in this fixture. Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri or Jeremy Toulalan will be able to step up to the occasion if called upon.

Possible Starting Lineup:

Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery, Makelele, Toulalan, Malouda, Anelka, Benzema

Form:

Romania

Being touted to be the underdog in this group of death, Romania will try hard to make a dream start by winning the previous world champion France. Romania will be praying hard that Henry and Ribery will not be fit enough to face them as they will terrorize their defence. With Adrian Mutu upfront and Christian Chivu at the back, Romania will fancy their chances.

Possible Starting Lineup:

Lobonţ, Contra, Tamaş, Goian, Raţ, Cociş, Rădoi, Chivu, Nicoliţă, D. Niculae, Mutu

Form:

Personally I will go for France to get a comfortable win here with the possible score line of 2-0 or 2-1.

THE PICK:

Romania 0 - 2 France

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