AGE-OLD BLEUS

Was watching France in action during the weekend. The Les Bleus hardly inspired confidence - disappointing draws against Switzerland and Korea, and they seemed to be carrying the baggage of age. Which other team has so many ageing remnants from a moment of glory, eight long years ago? And the talisman, Zinedine Zidane was a pale shadow of his old self.

Zidane's suspension, forcing him to miss the Togo match in a way was a relief to me. Tired as I was of an ageing side clutching at an equally ageing conductor, I was longing to see the younger lot try their luck at being playmakers.

No Zidane, and Patrick Vieira stood up to be counted. Responsibility seemed to have brought out the best in him. Also it was a pleasure to watch the likes of Frank Ribery playing a pivotal role. Not to forget throwing in David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry together.

Come Tuesday's Spain clash, and Zidane should be back. But the Zidane game is no match for the Zidane name now. Maybe, just maybe, a big occasion and a formidable rival could bring out those dormant seeds of genius.

Mind you, I am not a big fan of the Les Blues. But I wouldn't like to see a once-proud side limp into the sunset with its icon cutting a sorry figure. Especially after having followed the French through the euphoria of World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000.