Anelka glad to be France's match-winner again

Nicolas Anelka was back in favour with coach Raymond Domenech after scoring the winner for France against Lithuania in a Euro 2008 Group B qualifier on Saturday.


The former 'enfant terrible' of French soccer, who was left out of the squad for three years after snubbing a late call-up in 2002, produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-0 victory in Kaunas.

As France struggled to break the deadlock, Anelka slalomed through the midfield to score with a 20-metre low shot in the 74th minute. 'It is the Nicolas I like to see,' Domenech told reporters after a game that left France second in the standings, level on points with leaders Scotland. 'When he shows these qualities, he is a candidate for a permanent place in the squad. There is no question about it.' The Bolton Wanderers striker, who has netted his ninth goal from 35 appearances with France, proved he was a reliable replacement for Thierry Henry.

The Arsenal skipper missed the game through injury and could also be left out for France's qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia in June. 'It is good to have scored in an important game, away from home,' said Anelka, who was omitted from the France squad for the 2006 World Cup. 'There was more pressure but I am used to play these big games. And this was a big match. It is a pleasure to play with France,' the 29-year-old added.

Lithuania 0-1 France full report.

Euro2008 qualifying matches, Lithuania 0-1 France

Anelka to the rescue for France

France had Nicolas Anelka to thank for the fine individual goal that earned them a 1-0 win at Lithuania and keeps them joint-top of Group B behind Scotland.

Ninth goal for France
Anelka claimed the three points for Raymond Domenech's side after 73 minutes, cutting infield from the left flank and driving a low shot past the despairing dive of Žydrunas Karčemarkas from 25 metres. It was the 28-year-old's ninth goal in 35 appearances and ensured Les Bleus their fourth victory from five UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers. For the hard-working hosts, meanwhile, this second defeat in four matches leaves them fifth in Group B ahead of Wednesday's visit to Ukraine.

Diarra debut
Missing six first-team regulars in Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Franck Ribéry, Louis Saha, Mikaël Silvestre and David Trezeguet, coach Domenech handed a debut to Chelsea FC midfielder Lassana Diarra and also included Jérémy Toulalan of Olympique Lyonnais, capped once before. On a bumpy pitch, Les Bleus struggled to find their stride, their first shot on goal coming on 21 minutes when Florent Malouda sent a low effort straight at the goalkeeper. A more serious threat followed soon after as Sidney Govou flicked on Willy Sagnol's long throw and Anelka's low strike forced a fingertip save.

Sagnol block
Having withstood that spell of pressure, Lithuania began asking questions at the other end. Arunas Klimavičius headed wide from Mantas Savenas's free-kick and then Deividas Šemberas flashed a cross-cum-shot over. With France looking increasingly frustrated, they had Sagnol to thank for a superb block that stopped striker Robertas Poškus's shot on the stroke of half-time.

All-important goal
The game opened up after the break. Malouda put an inviting ball across goal only for Tomas Zvirgzdauskas to get there ahead of Anelka. Although Lithuania defender Marius Stankevicius blazed an effort just wide of the far post, France were gradually asserting themselves and Anelka was profligate when blasting a close-range attempt over. However, the forward grabbed the all-important goal 17 minutes from time and the win would have been more comfortable had substitute Djibril Cissé not driven over in the closing stages.

Euro2008 qualifying matches, Lithuania 0-1 France.. Anelka's goal:

France, Lithuania both missing top players

France is heading to Lithuania for a European Championship qualifier with a depleted squad desperate for a win.

The host will be in the exact same position on Saturday in Kaunas, 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Lithuania's capital Vilnius.

"France is a very strong team, but we are not going to defend our goal blindly for 90 minutes, keeping nine players back and one in front," Lithuania coach Algimantas Liubinskas said.

France is tied with Scotland at the top of Group B with nine points each, ahead of World Cup champion Italy. Lithuania, which held Italy to a 1-1 draw in September, is in fifth place with four points but has a game in hand.

"Everyone is aware of the importance of this match," France midfielder Florent Malouda said on Thursday. "We are not aiming for a draw. We are aiming for victory. We can't waste any more chances."

France will be without captain Patrick Vieira, strikers Thierry Henry and Louis Saha, and winger Franck Ribery.

"There are people missing, yes," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "The manager must adapt to the circumstances. That's a manager's job."

Instead, France may have to rely on midfielders Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri, and striker Karim Benzema. None of the four has played in an international for France.

"They can play. They can get into the team," Domenech said. "They all play in big clubs and are used to the top level."

Lithuania will be missing two of its top players - striker Edgaras Jankauskas and midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas. Both are injured.