Ribery gives Henry a victorious 100th in final Euro warm-up

AFP - 3 June 2008 23:46

French forward Thierry Henry (R) vies with Colombian defender Cristian Zapata during their friendly football match France vs. Colombia ahead of the Europe 2008 tournament at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. France won 1-0.

PARIS (AFP) - A first-half penalty by Franck Ribery managed not to ruin Thierry Henry's 100th international appearance and give France a 1-0 win over Colombia in their final warm-up match before Euro 2008.

The 25-year-old Bayern Munich star slotted home the penalty after Henry was fouled in the 23rd minute for his fourth goal in 27 international appearances while coach Raymond Domenech will be delighted that his side has not conceded a goal in their last four matches.

However, the lack of goals up front will cause him some worries, though, the sphinx like coach didn't seem too concerned by that afterwards.

"Two wins and one draw, I will settle for that," said Domenech, referring to the three warm-up matches all against South American opposition.

"It is not the results that are important, its the style of the performances.

"I prefer three matches unbeaten than three defeats."

Domenech admitted that he was going to have a selectorial nightmare ahead of their opening match on June 9 against Romania.

"That will give me a few sleepless nights, mind you it is something that I don't mind, better that than sleepless nights because of an injury crisis," added Domenech, who has a major worry over captain Patrick Vieira who has a left thigh injury.

Ribery ended the match with an ankle strapped, but he said it was nothing too serious.

"We didn't concede a goal and we beat a good Colombian team," said Ribery.

"We are super motivated and we are good in the head.

"As regards me limping, its not the ankle.

"We want to win the tournament and it is vital we start well against Romania and take the three points."

Colombia rarely threatened save for a slip in the French defence in the eighth minute.

The French too didn't create too many chances and went closest to doubling their lead when France footballer of the year Karim Benzema's 40th minute shot just went past the post, having been set up by the irrepressible Ribery.