France to move goalposts against Scotland

France goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admits Les Bleus will have to change their tactics for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifying clash with Scotland.

The French secured a 0-0 draw against World Cup winners Italy on Saturday in Milan and now face a top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Scotland.

Landreau paid Scotland a compliment when he reiterated remarks made on Sunday by coach Raymond Domenech that the Scotland game was just as important as the Italy clash.

Landreau said: 'We got a good point but now we will have to consolidate that by getting three against Scotland.

'We know the Scots will be up for the game and that it will be a difficult match. That's why we did not speak only about Italy and we knew the match at the Parc (des Princes) would be decisive.'

Landreau admitted Les Bleus would have to change their game plan against the Scots.

The Paris St Germain goalkeeper told L'Equipe: 'It will be a different game because the qualities of the two teams are different.'

France's task against the Scots will be complicated by the absence of striker Thierry Henry who will miss the chance to equal or surpass Michel Platini's goalscoring record for Les Bleus.

That means Nicolas Anelka and David Trezeguet are expected to form the front pairing against Alex McLeish's side.

Landreau said: 'It's a pity when we cannot count on a top player but I know there will be others which will fill in.'

William Gallas is also a doubt with Julien Escude set to continue alongside Lilian Thuram in place of the Arsenal man if he does not recover from injury.

On Sunday Domenech had expressed concerns that Scotland could benefit from the Parc des Princes pitch which is also being used in the Rugby World Cup.

Domenech said: 'There is a rugby game between South Africa and Samoa - both sides have big packs - three days before.

'The pitch will be damaged. I cannot understand. I love rugby but we need good conditions to play.'

Meanwhile, Escude also believes France will need to pull out the stops to prevent the Scots from completing the double after their 1-0 win at Hampden Park.

Domenech said: 'They are not very far off. They beat us at their place and we will have to play a good match on Wednesday at the Parc to win and continue in our qualification race.'

Source: Soccernet.com