PARIS - France coach Laurent Blanc is hoping the surprisingly good form of his squad helps get Les Bleus back on a positive footing as they seek revenge against Belarus in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Minsk.
Italy, Sweden and Croatia are also among the more fancied teams in action today as qualifiers for next year's championships - to be held jointly in Poland and Ukraine - resume after a two-month break.
Since replacing Raymond Domenech at the helm of the multiracial Bleus, Blanc has steered France to top spot in Group D with four wins from five games. Their only defeat so far was against Belarus at the Stade de France last year.
"We didn't play well (against Belarus)," conceded Blanc on Wednesday after a two-day training camp that calmed any lingering concerns he had about the match fitness of key players.
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery's season finished on May 7, while defenders Eric Abidal and Patrice Evra played in the Champions League final for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively last Saturday.
Italy are in a similar position to France, sitting at the top of Group C with four wins from five games ahead of Estonia's visit to Modena. The Azzurri have never been beaten by Estonia, but would do well to be wary of a side that produced a 3-1 win against Serbia in their only away match to date in the campaign.
Sweden head to Chisinau for a match against Moldova that could see them close the gap on Group E leaders the Netherlands.
In Group A Germany can consolidate their five-point lead over Belgium with an away victory against Austria in Vienna.
Les Bleus seek revenge
PARIS - France coach Laurent Blanc is hoping the surprisingly good form of his squad helps get Les Bleus back on a positive footing as they seek revenge against Belarus in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Minsk.
Italy, Sweden and Croatia are also among the more fancied teams in action today as qualifiers for next year's championships - to be held jointly in Poland and Ukraine - resume after a two-month break.
Since replacing Raymond Domenech at the helm of the multiracial Bleus, Blanc has steered France to top spot in Group D with four wins from five games. Their only defeat so far was against Belarus at the Stade de France last year.
"We didn't play well (against Belarus)," conceded Blanc on Wednesday after a two-day training camp that calmed any lingering concerns he had about the match fitness of key players.
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery's season finished on May 7, while defenders Eric Abidal and Patrice Evra played in the Champions League final for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively last Saturday.
Italy are in a similar position to France, sitting at the top of Group C with four wins from five games ahead of Estonia's visit to Modena. The Azzurri have never been beaten by Estonia, but would do well to be wary of a side that produced a 3-1 win against Serbia in their only away match to date in the campaign.
Sweden head to Chisinau for a match against Moldova that could see them close the gap on Group E leaders the Netherlands.
In Group A Germany can consolidate their five-point lead over Belgium with an away victory against Austria in Vienna.
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