Domenech opts for midfield experiment

FRANCE’S coach Raymond Domenech has opted for an experimental midfield to take on the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow’s World Cup Group 4 qualifier at the Stade de France.

Forced to do without his suspended captain Patrick Vieira and the injured Benoit Pedretti, Domenech has selected the inexperienced Rio Mavuba and Olivier Dacourt in the defensive midfield positions.

Bordeaux’s Mavuba earned his first cap for France in the 1-1 draw against Bosnia in August, while Dacourt last played for Les Bleus in the 1-0 defeat to Greece at Euro 2004 in June.