What a difference a decade makes.
PARIS — France’s footballing fortunes were on top of the world 10 years ago, having added the European title to their world crown of 1998. On Tuesday in Bloemfontein it reached its chaotic and demoralising nadir.
A humiliating 2-1 defeat to South Africa, with a red card for young midfielder Yoann Gourcuff to rub salt into the wounds, sent Raymond Domeenech and his men scurrying for home with just one point and one goal from three games.
How that dramatic collapse happened – from the soaring heights of 2000 to the dismal depths of 2010 – will be subject of much soul-searching in French sporting circles over the next few weeks and months.
But this is even worse:
Anelka à Domenech : “Va te faire enculer, sale fils de pute!”
Nicolas Anelka is a French footballer who plays as a striker for Chelsea in the English Premier League. Raymond Domenech is a retired French footballer and the current manager of the France national team.
France soccer is more soap opera than great ball these days.
I’ll be up early tomorrow and keeping fingers crossed for a US v. Algeria miracle.
