Henry scores for France
2004-10-14 10:30
Nicosia - Thierry Henry finally added to his recent meagre goal tally for France in a 2-0 victory over Cyprus here on Wednesday night in a match where the home side could easily have upstaged their rivals in this World Cup qualifier.
Henry scored in the closing stages of the second half, after Sylvain Wiltord's opener, for only his third international goal in 11 matches this year compared to seven goals in eight matches for club side Arsenal this season.
When asked about his lack of goals, Henry said: "My lack of goals has worried you more than me. It hasn't prevented me from sleeping. This team is in the process of creating something and we will continue to work towards that end."
France beat Cyprus by 5-0 at the Stade de France in September last year but this time the Cypriots could easily have scored a couple of goals with Michalis Constantinou and Yiannakis Okkas continually looking dangerous.
France coach Raymond Domenech said: "Cyprus fought hard and worked for each other and were well organised but we were also determined and got a good result. We are making progress."
France are now in second spot in Group 4 behind Republic of Ireland, who beat Faroe Islands 2-0 in Dublin, on goal difference. Both teams have eight points from four matches. Cyprus are in fifth spot with just one point.
Captain Patrick Vieira as expected returned to the lineup following suspension after being sent off in the 2-0 victory over the Faroes last month.
He was named in midfield alongside Olivier Dacourt in a defensive role with Wiltord on the right, Robert Pires on the left behind a front two of Henry and Marseille's Congo-born striker Peguy Luyindula.
Cyprus coach Momcilo Vukotic fielded an ultra-defensive lineup with three central defenders in Stelios Okkarides, Nicos Nicolaou and Liozos Kakoyiannis, with fullbacks Marios Elia on the left and Stavros Georgiou on the right.
With midfielders Costas Chalarambides, Marinos Satsias and Costas Kaiafas playing in a deep role, Cyprus were effectively playing with eight men at the back.