Here we have a banner with a picture of Africa, painted with the French flag, reading, “Welcome to Europe.” This was some Lithuanian fans’ editorial comment on the racial makeup of the France team. (Click on the photo for a larger version.)
Police are investigating and have received several tips. [...]

Yes, I did sit down and watch the game a second time last night. It was worth it. Really beautiful, dominant play. Plus I’ve discovered that one viewing of a game doesn’t always give you an accurate impression, since you can’t possibly watch all 22 players at one time. (This [...]

I’ve been absolutely desperate to see Karim Benzema in Bleu ever since I saw him in a Champions League game last fall. (I can’t even remember which game it was.) Today he rewarded my faith in him, putting in the only goal of the game. That goal was a real work [...]

It looks like the France-Austria game will be streamed on JumpTV. Click on the link for pricing info. I’ve signed up for the 24-hour pass (live and on demand) so I can watch this one and Italy-Scotland. (That should be one great game! Who are we rooting for?)
They also [...]

Ready for some change and excitement? Because Domenech actually decided to listen to Houllier for a change. Only TWO starters from Lyon before Saturday’s Coupe de la Ligue match between Bordeaux and Lyon — Coupet and Clerc. Clerc is officially the only titulaire who’s starting for Lyon on Saturday because Vercoutre [...]

I’ve checked my usual news sources and am not seeing a starting lineup anywhere yet, but I’ll keep my eye out today. If you find one, be sure to send me the link. (English or French.)
The big question is what Domenech is going to do with the OL and Bordeaux players who [...]

I’ve read several game reviews telling me how dominant France was in Saturday’s game, and I’m wondering if there were two different games going on. Maybe it’s just because I’m so used to seeing smooth, beautiful play from France and this was anything but. But three points is three points, and in [...]

Oh my Lord! Is my heart still beating? What a stressful game!
Seriously, after Anelka finally put one in in (about) the 75th, I couldn’t sit and watch any more. For the last fifteen minutes, I kept thinking of little things I needed to do that kept me running up and down [...]

Who are these guys and what have they done with my team?!?!
This isn’t the game I’d envisioned. Only luck has prevented France from going down by a goal on a couple of occasions, and they’re just not putting together their own attacks. And I’m thinking Anelka should just set up a tent [...]

Whoa!!! I’m kind of shocked by this. Domenech’s going with 4-3-3 and starting Lassana Diarra. (It’s funny, I was just writing on my LA Galaxy blog about how I have a completely irrational attachment to 4-3-3. So this makes me happy. Kind of. Except that I’m a [...]