One man’s loss is another man’s gain–just ask the recalled (once forgotten) French striker, Nicolas Anelka. It seems with the on-and-off injuries to both Thierry Henry and Djibril Cisse, as well as the frustrating form of David Trezeguet, French manager, Raymond Domenech has had really no other choice then to bring back l’enfant terrible.  

Lost in the wilderness of the French National Team, the ex-Arsenal hit-man has enjoyed a return to the National side, helping Les Blues in their Euro 2008 Qualifications. Having stuttered through the early fixtures in a group that also contains Italy, Ukraine, and a renewed Scotland, France defeated Ukraine 2-0 over the weekend to claim 1st spot in Group B.

Ukraine came to the Stade de France without Shevchenko and without any real determination to push forward for victory. Satisfied with playing for a draw, it looked like Ukraine were coping well enough with the French attack through the 1st half, but then were punished severely as Franck Ribery opened the scoring in the 57th min. Played in by a ball over the top, Ribery beat the keeper to the chase, pushing past the keeper with his first touch (outside left) and passing the ball into the empty net.

Anelka followed suit in the 71 min. on a very similar play. Played in the area from another neat chip, Anelka sombreroed a committed defender and finished with a powerful left footed half volley, killing off the game.

Ukraine had started off the day level on points with Scotland (who were idle on Saturday) at the top of Group B, but France leaped frogged both teams to take their 1st lead in the Group. Italy is now in 2nd spot as they were also victorious on Saturday, barely squeaking out a 2-1 victory over the Faroe Islands with Inzaghi on the double for the Azzurri.

Ukraine could see a further slip in points this Wednesday as they are idle in Group play while France enjoys a great advantage when they play Georgia at home. Scotland travels to the Faroe Islands while Italy also travels to Lithuania to round out this Euro outing.