France 0, Argentina 1 -- FIFA match amical

I was able to catch a digital feed on my USB key TV set tonight and watched the exhibition soccer match between France and Argentina, both excellent teams high in the FIFA world rankings.

Despite an early goal by Argentina's forward Javier Saviola, the French controlled the ball for most of the game and kept the pressure on the Argentinians for the majority of the game ... but still they were unable to create bona fide opportunities for their front line to score. And even with their star-studded lineup, they came up empty time and time again against a determined Argentinian back line.

Still, these matches are opportunities to try many different new combinations of members and also give younger players some playing time before they are called up during international matches like qualifiers for regional championships. I remember in Japan's friendly matches, a coach could make up to six substitutions in one game. Unfortunately the previous Japan coach, Zico, never took advantage of that and kept his favorites in the game, even if the result was poor (no surprise that he was unable to use the younger players in his team during the World Cup last June).