Domenech praise for match-winner Anelka

الأحد، 25 مارس 2007 - 16:16

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Anelka

France manager Raymond Domenech dished out praise for Nicolas Anelka after the Bolton striker scored the winner to secure a vital 1-0 away win at Lithuania in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

The 29-year-old had fell out of favor for France since snubbing a call-up in late 2002, but his performance both with Bolton and in the game with France has caught the attention of coach Domenech.

"It is the Nicolas I like to see," Domenech, who axed Anelka from his World Cup 2006 squad, told reporters after the game on Saturday.

"When he shows these qualities, he is a candidate for a permanent place in the squad. There is no question about it."

The victory kept France in joint top spot in Group B, leveling on points with Scotland after the latter beat Georgia 2-1.

The Bolton striker revealed his joy with the winner, claiming that Les Bleus were under pressure to win this game.

"It's good to score in an important away match," said Anelka.

"There was more pressure but I am used to playing these big games. And this was a big match. It is a pleasure to play with France."

Anelka solely led France’s frontline before Djibril Cisse was fielded for more support after the break.

"With Djibril we really worked well together towards the end of the match."

France will face Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria in a friendly in midweek but Domenech will be carefully watching the group game between Italy and Scotland.

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