By Shai Mamou
Tragic, pathetic, there is no word to describe the performance of “l’Equipe de France” tonight against Mexico. Despite the evidence, I kept on believing in this team, in these men. Despite the obvious lack of logic of Raymond Domenech, I kept on hoping the individual skills of our players would make the difference. But with the ghostly Govou on the right wing, the selfnishness of Ribéry (who lost 3 balls out of 4!) and Anelka (seriously, can’t he respect the tactical orders he is given?) and Gourcuff on the bench, the disaster was inevitable…
Mexico is a collective and talented team. A way better team than France actually. Passes, combos, combativeness, ardor on the field, Aguirre’s squad deserved its victory. After a dominated first act, the Mexicans took advantage of the french defense slowness. It could not be Gallas and Abidal on the field, it probably was their their doppelgangers… Their empteenth positioning approximation let “Chicharito” Hernandez score the first goal with an impressive calm (64th). Unable to react, in spite of Valbuena and Gignac’s appearance, France showed their ingenuousness by conceding an evitable penalty on Barrera, transformed by the veteran Blanco (79th). There has been absolutely no opportunity for France in this game, and that is the most desappointing fact. Sadness, disgust, here are the feelings shared by all the French supporters tonight, who criticized Domenech’s choices for 4 years and have just been proven right.
A new era begins with Laurent Blanc as manager. Let’s hope a better future with a new generation of players, more involved and willing to represent their country… The French players are probably the only one to seem so little moved during their national anthem. It has nothing to do with the reality of the field, but it says a lot of their proudness to wear the national jersey. And it has nothing to do with the different origins reprensented in the squad as extremist politicians explained lately. In 98, France won the World Cup with a mixed team…
With only one point in two games “l’équipe de France” is very close to the exit. A draw between Uruguay and Mexico next week would eventually eliminate France. And if by chance it was not the case, Ribéry mates would have to win by at least four goals against South Africa. In front of their fans, the Bafana Bafana will definately want to leave the competition with the honours…
