THE BEUATIFUL GAME - AU REVOIR FRANCE

(Fifa.com)

Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery, William Gallas, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Florant Malouda, Hugo Lloris, Eric Abidal.. just to mention some of the lots of household talented players in France's World Cup squad. Their problem is = Raymond Domenech.. The Coach and The Ego.. Players' Ego. The French were unable to play as a unit, to perform and bring out the best of each player. The consequences was well documented. They were out of the World Cup 2010 at group stage!

The French come to South Africa with high hope to go all the way with the impressive list of talents they got at their disposal. The result are very much disappointing, considering their group consists of South Africa (rank : 83), Uruguay (rank : 16) & Mexico (rank : 17). For record, France are ranked at 9. FIFA full ranking click here

(ESPNSoccernet.com)

To make things worst, the players had refused to train 48 hours before the final match against South Africa in protest to the decision to send Nicolas Anelka home after burst up with the Coach, Raymond Domenech. The revolt was lead by the senior player in the shape of Patrice Evra, who is the France Captain. Evra also had a heated verbal exchanged with the fitness coach. The team director had also resigned.

The France misery were deepened when they were defeated (also click here) in the final game against the South African, who ranked 74 places below them! To make matter worst, the Coach - Raymond Domenech had refused to handshake with Carlos Alberto Parreira (South Africa Coach). The reason behind it was Carlos Alberto's earlier comment on the nature of France qualification for the tournament by the virtue of Thierry Henry's handball that leading to the winning goal scored by William Gallas against the Republic of Ireland (during qualifying play-off match).

(Google)

The Raymond Domenech era had marked a turbulent time in France Football history. With all the talents he got at his disposal, he miserably failed to deliver (although, they actually when to the World Cup final 2006 where they lost to the Italian on penalty).

The burden to turn around the France's fortune will next be in the hand of Messrs Laurent Blanc, who will take over the team and the messed left behind to be cleaned. Fingers cross.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L


Note : French toast anyone ?

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - SERIES OF UPSET

U.P.S.E.T

First week of the World Cup 2010 seen no upset until the last game of the first round where Spain were beaten by Switzerland. click here. Since then, there are series of upset on the 'traditional' football power house especially the European team.

Upset #1 : France (vs Mexico) - Group A, 17th June 2010

The WC2006 finalist is in danger of leaving the tournament at group stage after this defeat which leave them on 1 point from 2 games. A squad full of talented player but lacked of coordination and rarely played like a unit under their controversial coach Raymond Domenech. The coach was heavily criticised by their former legend Zidane for the way he conducted the team selection and tactical. Again, Thiery Henry was left on the bench and Anelka was deployed as a lone striker upfront. Ribery playing in the hole and rarely show the talent that he possess. He is supposed to be the linchpin of the team but again failed to delivered. Mexico looked comfortable enough as the scoreline suggested. The blame should be solely on Raymond Domenech !

Upset # 2 : Germany (vs Serbia) - Group D, 18th June 2010

Germany was so impressive in the first game against Australia (they won by 4 - 0). Many people starts to rave about their efficient yet clinical performance against the Aussies. But, Serbia is a different category. Their defends is so impressive during the qualifying marshaled by Nemanja Vidic. The downfall of Germany begun when Miroslave Klose, last tournament golden boot winner, was sent off for 2 bookable offenses. The second yellow card came on the 36th minutes. Germany was forced to play with 10 man for the rest of the game.

Soon after the Klose sending off, Serbia scores on the 37 minutes. A cross from the right by the impressive Krasic, headed by the tall figure of Zigic to the path of Jovanovic who had all the time to controlled the ball and poke it passed the goalkeeper Neuer into the net. 1 - 0 to Serbia. Although Serbia took a lead and had a one man advantage, the Germany still came forward with purposed in search for the equaliser.

Germany got a break in the 60th minutes when a moment of madness from Nemanja Vidic who intentionally handle the ball in the Serbian penalty box. Penalty. Lukas Podolski step up to take the penalty. Unfortunately, his effort was superbly saved by the Serbian goalkeeper. Podolski had a forgettable night where he also misses a handful of chances in front of goal. In the end, Germany had run out of ideas and tiredness starts to took the effect on their players. The games finished 1 - 0 in favour to the Serbian. Although Germany lost this game but they should be able to pull it thru to the next round. Their next game is against the Ghanaian. The coach, Joachim Loew, had a frustrating time both on the missed chances and the referee decision.

Upset #3 : England (vs Algeria) - Group C, 18th June 2010

A draw shouldn't be categorised as an upset. However, I picked this result as an upset due to the 'supposedly superior' England lacked of composure and invention to overcome the Algerian. On paper, this game should be the easiest in this group. But, the Algerian had other idea. They played with the 5-4-1 formation with the full utilisation of the wing-back position and the wide player. Due to the system employed, the Algerian manage to swamped the midfield and made it hard for Gerrard-Lampard-Barry to took controlled. The Algerian also a pace more quicker than the English.

England managed to create some good chances but the Algerian keeper & defenders were equal to it. Rooney had, again, a poor game and rarely got the chance to threaten the Algerian goal. 'Captain Courageous' Steven Gerrard again left frustrated with the result. He seems trying to hard himself. Carragher picked up a yellow card, his 2nd for the tournament, and will miss the next deciding game against the impressive Slovenia. Capello was obviously frustrated with the result; given that England qualifying campaign was very good and decisive. The form was not on show in the proper tournament. Overall, England game was poor and it surely frustrated for England faithful. They must step up and beat the Slovenian to avoid the embarrassment of going home early.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L

Note : So far, the Argentine looks impressive and clinical in their group stage..

Picture source : ESPNSoccernet & ESPNStar