FFF – France Finally Free

The match is behind us. It seemed like a good last chance to reward the fans but it turned into a disappointing loss thanks to a referee tour de force. Gourcuff’s red aside, we did not deserve to win.

France’s offensive play is predictable. They cannot surprise or innovate. The lack of leadership leads to many lost balls in midfield. The defence is shaky. There is no need to blame now, but it’s obviously the result of the last few skirmishes in the squad

I’ve been a fan of the French team for 28 years. I remember the disappointment of not qualifying to the final in 82. I remember losing to Bulgaria in 93 and the failure to reach the US WC. Nothing could have prepared us for this year’s horribly twisted and heart-breaking finale.

The FFF needs new faces. Laurent Blanc will start from scratch and the foundation is there for him to work with. His insistence on discipline could potentially lead him to find new players to work with. I hope the FFF knows he’s the only boss. Any intrusions and he might leave.

I know we all want to let our feelings show. I prefer to stay calm and figure things out in the next few weeks. This chapter is over. Let’s write a new one

It’s Over

France’s 2010 WC campaign is over. Here are some photos from the match

Shame

Lloris sees the future

Henry whispers to Evra before the match

Gourcuff’s Red

Gourcuff’s Red – close up

Cissé reacts to the red

Domenech angry at Parreira at the end of the match

So what happened?

France 0 – Mexico 2

First half:

France had a few defensive hiccups. Offensively? Possibly killed a few ants

Second half:

This is when Domenech’s 6-year system culminated. Ray-Ray’s tactical nudity wasn’t the sight we were expecting: no opportunities for passing created, careless tackles, terrible marking, lack of motivation from the players.

Toulalan tried his best, Gallas stood by while Mexico cut deep into Lloris territory. Diaby was Arsenal-ish in his instability. The forwards? Extremely inaccurate passes, bad shots. Slow and predictable one-twos, lack of commitment to pressing in Mexico’s half.

The first goal was typical for a team who has no system. A terribly-timed and executed offside trap allowed Mexican celebration.

The second goal – typical Abidal meltdown 2008-style. While it was a dive, Abidal shouldn’t have given the ref the impression he was actually going for the leg.

Not only did the subs not contribute to the match, I am convinced the ones who stayed on the bench felt somewhat relieved. To think these are the only stories Planus will have to share with his grandkids from his international career. What about Cissé? To wait 4 years to NOT be given a chance? Henry? Instant Irish Karma is hardly the goodbye he deserves.

Raymond, in 6 years you have destroyed so much that we can’t forgive you. Social brawls resulting in cliques, complete and utter disdain for media and fans alike, personal fights with almost every 1998-era player. I hope you do better in the future. I know we will

Mexican Fiesta

Oh, Raymond. What now?

We’ve endured this for 6 years, one week won’t matter.

I’m lost for words. Here are photos because an image is worth at least 1000 of *my* words. Technical discussion will follow in the next post

Ball Possession after Mexico's First Goal. Stats don't even begin to show what happened regarding ball-possession

Ribéry Flat On Face

Abidal's Foul - Ref, really??

The end? Is this Toulalan's last WC match?