Group C gets back underway with France playing Holland – both sides need a win, Holland in particular after their first-round defeat. Listen to the tracks, vote, and look below the cut for managerial comment, analysis, match reports and previews.

How To Vote: Just tick the track you like best! This poll closes on the 5th May, at lunchtime or thereabouts.

France vs Holland: Which of these tracks do you prefer? [ballot]

  • France: Yelle 52%
  • Holland: Anouk 48%

Total Voters: 21

Poll closes: 6 May 2008 @ 14:00

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FRANCE: Yelle – “Je Veux Te Voir”

The manager says: “After being harshly talked about last round in the press, L’Equipe was very much given my best mardy glance in particular, the manager has gone for youth, style, elan and panache. Out with the old, in with the new. And be warned kids, if France go out in this round, Song 3 is It’s Tough Being a Baby by Jordy. Vive La France!”

Our analyst says: A much more disciplined performance from France this time around – a strong back four launching balls forward to an efficient, though perhaps not breathtaking frontline. There’s a sense the team are playing it a little safe – they could be vulnerable to Dutch creativity.

HOLLAND: Anouk – “If I Go”

The manager says: “When all else fails, send in a sexy woman.  Anouk is the most popular singer in the Netherlands.  She’s been called the “Dutch Amy,” but she’s been around longer than AW, and she could eat AW for breakfast. Dat zegt genoeg.”

Our analyst says: Needing a win, Holland are placing a lot of weight on the shoulders of their star striker. She’s got the technique but does she have the application to get the ball in the net?

MATCH REPORT: Croatia 2 Germany 2 – An entertaining and even game saw Germany lead twice but ultimately have to settle for another draw. The Germans dominated in midfield but their strikers missed several golden chances, and the Croats gradually imposed themselves on the game, replying quickly to both German goals and piling forward at the end in a fruitless search for a winner. Both teams have kept their campaign alive going into the final group game, but they will each be wanting a win next time.

Coming next…: Italy know that a second consecutive win will secure their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare. Standing in their way are Romania, who put in a strong performance against France in the opening game. Two highly-regarded young managers pit their wits against one another in this intriguing Group C clash.

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