French football fans thought they had experienced the worst in 2002 and 2008, but that was not the case. On Thursday evening in Polokwane, the French team almost bid farewell to the 2010 World Cup. Two matches, zero goals scored and two conceded. This is a fiasco well underway after a qualification already marred by controversy against Ireland.
And as if this delicate situation was not enough, the ridicule reached its peak yesterday. After Nicolas Anelka’s dismissal, the players refused to train to show their displeasure. The divide now seems clear between the players, staff, federation, journalists, and of course, the supporters.
On Thursday, the Blues conceded twice to the motivation of the Mexicans. After a goalless first half, Hernandez opened the score at the 64th minute. Fifteen minutes later, Blanco sealed the victory for his team with a penalty caused by Eric Abidal.
In Nice, whether among friends or family, at home or in the city’s bars, supporters didn’t hide their disappointment at the final whistle. Shame, revolt, anger, or resignation were the main adjectives used to describe the French debacle.
Beyond the mediocre individual performances: Ribรฉry too individualistic as a playmaker, or Anelka lost in the position of center forward. It was collectively that France sank. The players and the coach were unable to respond to the Mexican attacks. The motivation of the French team was clearly lacking on Thursday. Worrying when playing in the final stages of a World Cup!
But despite the sad face shown by the Blues, supporters still hope for a miraculous qualification. Let us at least hope, if Raymond Domenech makes changes, that those who haven’t had any playtime until now take their chance boldly to offer a new look to our national team.
