The French Revolution: France lost 2-0 to Mexico. The only thing less impressive than the result was the manner in which it was earned. The French were impotence personified. They played as 11 individuals. They could not break down the opponent. We thought we had reached the nadir, the fitting capstone to Raymond Domenech’s tenure. We thought wrong.
Nicolas Anelka told Domenech “Go Fuck Yourself, You Son of a Bitch” and was taken off at halftime. The story was leaked to the media. The F.F.F. (French Football Federation) held a meeting and dismissed the Chelsea striker from the team.
Players did not agree with the decision. They refused to train the next day to protest. This led to a theatrical altercation between captain Patrice Evra and a French coach, on YouTube within minutes. The team returned to their bus for a closed-window meeting. They forced Raymond Domenech, once a players strike leader (and mustache cultivator) himself , to a read a statement to the media stating their support for Anelka, their disagreement over how the situation was handled and their anger at F.F.F.
The French players did train yesterday, though the story has erupted into a national scandal.Sponsors are pulling out. Senior government officials are involving themselves. France’s reputation is at stake. So, the white French establishment using this as an opportunity to pontificate and humble “imbeclic” and “spoiled” players – mostly black with a few, including Anelka, who are Muslim – for not being properly French. That should go over well in the banlieues.
France vs. South Africa: For the match itself, Domenech will be shorthanded. His normal inclination is to play two holding midfielders. With Jeremy Toulalan suspended for two yellow cards, he won’t have any. Domenech dropped the “ringleaders” of the training ground sit down – captain Patrice Evra, former captain Thierry Henry, William Gallas, and Eric Abidal – from the Starting XI. (It’s just a theory, but these aren’t rubes. They are all veteran players, guys who have won Champions Leagues and domestic titles. The media should consider the possibility we did not get the whole story, rather than repeat the exclamations of one side and revel in the schadenfreude because it confirms anti-French prejudices.)
Both France and South Africa can advance, but they need an emphatic win and some help. Either Uruguay or Mexico needs to win to leave one team on four points. Depending on which team, France would have to make up a four or five goal difference. For South Africa it is five goals or six. Essentially, they need a turnaround on the level of the U.S. beating Egypt 3-0 and Italy losing 3-0 to send them through.
It’s hard to see France scoring. They have been scoreless for three straight. They haven’t scored against World Cup caliber opposition since a qualifying match with Serbia in September. South Africa’s skill players should have room to operate. Though he resembles him in stature, Abou Diaby is no Patrick Vieira. The fans should propel South Africa to a modest win, but not enough to go through.
Uruguay vs. Mexico: A draw sends both teams to the knockout round. Uruguay has shown versatility. The Sky Blue sat back and shut off France in the first match. They attacked with three strikers and thrashed South Africa in the second. With the advantage on goal difference, I think they opt to defend. Mexico will miss Carlos Vela’s speed down the wing, he’s out with a hamstring problem.
Nothing will be preordained. Trying to avoid Argentina, Mexico will shoot for an early goal. Why else start Blanco up front? Uruguay will hope for inspiration from Diego Forlan. However, if the teams are tied in the second half, expect them to count their blessings and kick the ball around for twenty minutes.
See GAMEDAY CONSULTANTS for how to place your wagers on the World Cup games.
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