Barthez in Confederations Cup Action
By Chris O'Brien
June 22 2003
United 'keeper Fabien Barthez was in action for France in their Confederations Cup group match against Japan. The host nation escaped with a lucky 2-1 victory over the Asian Cup holders, to secure a place in the last four. Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires was on target for France.
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Barthez in Confederations Cup Action |
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United 'keeper Fabien Barthez was in action in France's 2-1 victory over Japan in the Confederations Cup. Barthez was one of 10 changes to the starting line-up that had beaten Columbia 1-0 in France's first Confederations Cup match against Columbia. Barthez had been an unused substitute in the first match. Robert Pires has given the tournament hosts and defending champions the lead from the penalty spot on 43 minutes, but a brave Japan side fought back, with Shunsuke Nakamura levelling the scores with a trademark free-kick. Japan deserved a point, but the 10-man France side secured a place in the semi-finals when Sidney Govou struck home the winner late on in the second half. France can now go into their last group match with New Zealand free of nerves, knowing they are already through to the final four. |
