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Blanc still has doubts despite long unbeaten run
Posted Monday, November 14, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

PARIS (AP)—Although France is improving and unbeaten in 16 matches, coach Laurent Blanc still has not decided what his first-choice team is and will continue to experiment against old rival Belgium in Tuesday’s friendly match.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes and Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris have emerged as France’s key players over the past year, but other places are up for grabs ahead of next year’s European Championship.

Blanc says he has “players vying for each position” but is also unsure what system suits France best.

The flat 4-4-2 he started with in Friday’s 1-0 win against the United States was unconvincing, and France played with far greater fluidity when playmaker Marvin Martin and versatile striker Loic Remy came on.

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia