Two Games, One Point
These are the words of Patrice Evra after France’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in the World Cup Thursday: “I am deeply upset, even if it won’t change anything. Tonight I feel a bit like a small football nation, and it hurts.”
We’re not trying to pile on. Actually we’re a bit surprised by that honest assessment.
Evra, Sagna, Ribery, Gignac, Abou Diaby. Lloris, Anelka, Malouda, Henry, Cisse, Clichy… That’s a team that is absolutely loaded. Added Evra: “What’s the problem? We’re not a good team. If we don’t win, it means we’re not a good team.” Huh? I would have just blamed the idiot manager.
For all intents and purposes France is done. They are mathematically alive, and very well could put 4-5 past South Africa to make up any goal difference issues (although the opposite could just as easily happen). Their problem is that all Mexico and Uruguay have to do is nothing. They can play to a leisurely 0-0 draw where they make little attempt to look like they are scoring and both go safely into the next round.
“Evra, Sagna, Ribery, Gignac, Abou Diaby. Lloris, Anelka, Malouda, Henry, Cisse, Clichy”
Well sure the talent’s there, but the tactics are all wrong. What is that, a 3-3-4? With two left backs? I guess JT was right all along.
Even looking at Ribery’s mug pisses me off…argh, Im so devastated only trashy TV can make me feel slightly better about my life…
… goddamn, am i relieved that Mexico pulled off the win.
France will need a win against South Africa to keep the hope alive, but i wouldn’t expect Mexico & Uruguay to play for the draw. the runner up of Group A – which right now, and if they tie – is Mexico, and Mexico does not want to face Argentina in the Round of 16. not after last time. so don’t be surprised to see an aggressive Mexico go for the win on Tuesday against La Celeste. if’n that’s the case, then France could still make it out of the group in second place. it could happen; quite hard, but not out completely of reach.
Anyone know? Was it confirmed that some, if not all, of the French subs left the seating area so that Domenech could not make a third substitution? Or did some just refuse to enter the match? Saw someone allege it, then seen inferences to this in other stories, but no direct confirmation…
thanks
@jjf3: This is from Glendenning’s MBM:
90+1 min: Domenech is still leaning against the dug-out, while all his subs are congregated down behind one goal. He hasn’t said a word since the second goal went in, probably because he knows there’s no point because his players wouldn’t listen to him.
If that’s true, that’s pretty disgraceful. Domenech has already been fired, what were they hoping to achieve? Embarrassing their country? Mission accomplished.
Still can’t understand why they let him manage this WC. They had an early exit on the last Euro, the were inpressive in qualifying, and if you recall they were limp on the groups on 2006… Kind of fortunate to get out.
@LE: Zey are Fraaaaahnsh. Zey need not proove anysing.
Inpressive=unimpressive
@LE: the only thing I can think of is that they want to embarass the French football federation (are they the FFF?). Everyone knew he needed to go after the Euro campaign, and the players have publicly (and presumably, even more so privately) made their displeasure with him clear. Once they went down 2-0, and the odds of pulling off even a draw were unlikely, I could see them doing it just to make the whole situation seem worse. Not that I necessarily think its right…
IE: French fan watching them go down 2-0, Domenech stands there contemplating the sky. Why no effort to use the 3rd sub and at least try to pull it back? (fan might not realize no one’s there to sub) It’s a stretch, I admit, but its not like soccer players are geniuses, generally speaking…
I’m wondering what we learned today. I’m also wondering when I will learn it.
Item #1: do not disturb NYK until at least Sunday, though I’m thinking Monday or Tuesday might be safer.
Wedel: wonder no longer! It’s up…