Still going strong, it's June 6, Day 7 of LITTLE BOY BLUE'S WORLD CUP DIARY.
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How big a fluke was Senegal's victory over France? When they fall behind so early, I'm inclined to think it was a big fluke but they show no lack of character by regrouping and giving as good as they get. There are signs that Denmark are happy to hold what they have and, to the Africans' credit, they grab the game by the lapel. Salif Diao nets a wonderfully crafted equaliser early in the second half and, even when the Liverpool-bound man blots his copybook and gets sent off ten minutes from the end, Senegal look the likelier winners.
At long last Peter Lovenkrands gets the call and, with all of 90 seconds plus three minutes of injury time left, I reckon 'plenty of time, Pedro'. Sadly, it is not to be and both sides might just live to regret their failure to press home their superiority, Denmark when they got off to such a smashing start, Senegal after they'd drawn level and created several gilt-edged opportunities. It will all hinge on how France and Uruguay shape-up at lunchtime but it could be that this draw has let the French off the hook.
Yesterday's 1-1 draw between Germany and Eire did nothing to damage CAMEROON morale and a goalfest is on the cards against the whipping boys of SAUDI ARABIA. Or with five personnel changes from Germany's eightsome reel, could the Saudis spring a surprise? Having survived a penalty claim after 18 seconds (!), the underdogs are first to threaten with Al Dosari heading over the top when it looks easier to hit the target and, being held comfortably for the first half, Cameroon clearly have to step up the pace. Yet they are the team glad to hear the half-time whistle when Al Temyat twice shoots just wide of goal.
Surely Cameroon can't be quite so sloppy in the second half. Too right they can't! After a succession of corner kicks and half-chances, they look a different side...but still the goal eludes them. Then former Eire international Jim Beglin treats ITV viewers to his nightmare scenario: 'The Saudis could still nick one, then nick one against Ireland to qualify on six points, regardless of their 8-0 drubbing.'
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Today's main event was always going to be FRANCE's bid to get themselves back on the straight and narrow against URUGUAY and, with Denmark and Senegal sitting pretty with four points, defeat means departure for the losers of this one. You just can't see France bowing out quite so easily, can you? But with Zidane still on the sidelines, the South Americans might just fancy their chances. Indeed, Alvaro Recoba is the first to threaten when his shot takes a deflection and forces Barthez to save with his feet.
And France are in big trouble after 25 minutes. Having been forced into an early change when Candela replaces the injured Le Boeuf, they are dealt another blow when a stupid challenge on Romero results in Thierry Henry being sent off. Lack of talent never has been a problem for Uruguay but lack of belief in that talent has often resulted in them showing their shadier side. Surely they could not have wished for a better chance to shine at football's top table, although Emmanuel Petit gives them a shake when he clips the post with a 20 yard free-kick.
The first half ends goalless but the most significant statistic has been that, in addition to Henry's red card, the Mexican referee has shown yellows to three Uruguayans who, despite their numerical advantage, can't resist the temptation to spice up events with a few 'naughties'. Twice in the early stages of the second half Recoba misses great chances to heap the pressure on the French and, when Abreu heads wide from no more than six yards, the possibility of France enjoying their second break of the day enters my mind.
Trezeguet comes close twice, then a free-kick from Micoud forces a great save from goalkeeper Carini as the ten men press for the winner. For the first time in the tournament France look like the team which has dominated world football for so long and five minutes from the end substitute Cisse, who had replaced Trezeguet, brings another good save out of Carini.
The 90 minutes have come and gone and the spectre of the competition's first 0-0 is looming large. Both goalkeepers come to the rescue in injury time, Carini moving quickly off his line to thwart Wiltord then Barthez sticking out a foot to block a shot from Magallanes, but the scoresheet remains blank. And this result can only put pressure on Denmark, who will now be facing a French team which HAS to win...and Zidane is likely to be back.
There is a distinct possibility of all four teams in Group A finishing level on four points, then it will all be down to goal difference and various other permutations conjured up by the boffins at FIFA. But most notably, the holders are still in there and, having made slight of being down to ten men, it is no more than they deserve. If only Uruguay had shown similar faith in themselves they could be going into next week's clash with Senegal brimming over with confidence, instead of fretting over their failure to make the most of an excellent situation. When will they ever learn?
Tomorrow is all about England v Argentina and the news that Claudio Caniggia is likely to make an appearance has LBB rubbing his hands in anticipation. Now if he could succeed where Hooray Henrik failed, not only would it put a few English gasses in a peep, there might be room for an action replay of some Teddy Bear May 4 gloating. Maybe I'll nip out tonight and put in some much-needed practice.
Until tomorrow...
LITTLE BOY BLUE