Thierry Henry proved he is still in the goalscoring groove as France flexed their muscles against the Danes in Bruges this afternoon. After a shaky start, Roger Lemerre's team showed the qualities which made Les Bleus World Champions two years ago, beating the helpless Danes 3-0.
Zinedine Zidane is still in sublime touch in midfield and Laurent Blanc capped another graceful defensive display with the first goal, in the 16th minute. But it was Henry and Nicolas Anelka who provided the electrifying strike threat which Aime Jacquet's Class of 98 lacked. Anelka tormented the Danish defence from the kick-off until he was substituted, eight minutes from time, and Henry's breath-taking speed provided menace from the left. The Arsenal winger-turned-striker claimed the vital second with a solo strike in the 64th minute and sub Sylvain Wiltord completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Denmark were without five players through injury, including the new star of Danish football Martin Jorgensen, who appeared as a second-half sub but wasn't fit to start. France started shakily in defence but Anelka was in exhilarating mood up front, preying on the shoulders of Denmark's back-four with an electric change of pace. The world champions settled into a better rhythm after the first goal. They slowed the tempo and Zidane was able to conduct operations from midfield. Denmark rallied briefly after the break, Barthez failed to hold a Tofting free-kick and Bixente Lizarazu cleared, but France's movement in attack was irresistible.
PA Sports
