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Zurich: France launch a new era in tentative fashion when they kick off their Euro 2008 campaign against Romania on Monday.
The 2006 World Cup runners-up, facing a daunting task in a tough Group C also featuring Netherlands and world champions Italy, are unsure what to expect from their first major finals in more than a decade without Zinedine Zidane as playmaker.
With the balding maestro now retired France need to find a new talisman and the right balance between ageing stalwarts and exciting youngsters.
There is room for hope with winger Franck Ribery ready to take over Zidane's role and 20-year-old striker Karim Benzema determined to prove himself on the big stage.
But concerns persist after a struggle to qualify, timid performances in warmup games and the thigh injury sustained by captain Patrick Vieira that will sideline him in Zurich on Monday.
Nothing to lose
"That match will throw us into the tournament or into the lake," France coach Raymond Domenech told reporters.
The pressure will be on Domenech's side as Romania, who failed to qualify for the last three major competitions, have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
"We are not here for a holiday," said Romania right back Cosmin Contra. "We are aiming to reach the quarterfinals and play good football in what is an illustrious group."
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