From the title, you would think that France has problems finding a goalkeeper. Well, you couldn’t be further from the truth. They do have a goalkeeper. Actually, they have 2: Fabien Barthez and Gregory Coupet. One, the World Champion in 1998 and European Champion in 2000. The other, goalkeeper of Olimpique Lyon, a team that cruises in Champions League and French First Division.

Oddly enough, France had the same problem in 1998, when the number one goalkeeper now, Fabien Barthez, was the contender to Bernard Lama. More similarities were because both Lama then and Barthez now come from long periods of inactivity due to suspention for various reasons (Barthez spit on a referee at a friendly game and got a 5 1/2 months period of rest). This allowed Coupet to take his post in the goal for French national squad and, as he says, he will not go without a fight.

They both have ups and downs, especially Barthez that alternated his great performances with down-to-earth stupid things (a goal from 50m in a Manchester United match a while ago i.e.). We shall wait and see.

Source: Reuters.co.uk