This is controversial stuff, I realize. I support Les Bleus and even blog about my adoration, but I’m firmly opposed to the current management setup (Domenech), and I’m willing to suffer accusations of being counter-productive to spread seeds of hope, when I find them, that France could have a fresh start before going into [...]

One of the most troubling aspects of the French Football Federation (FFF) retaining Domenech as long as they have is that it felt like a betrayal – like a combination of corruption and incompetence had eroded a recently fine institution. So when I read the comments from the FFF’s Guy Chambily this morning, I [...]

No, don’t get too excited. It won’t happen before South Africa, and it may not happen ever but Goal.com is reporting that the FFF are trying to woo Blanc to replace Raymond after World Cup 2010 (when Domenech’s contract is up). But will Blanc agree, particularly after he was passed up for the [...]

Charlize Theron continues to embarrass herself, Ireland and FIFA throughout the World Cup Draw (alright, maybe FIFA doesn’t need help in that department). Wait, I thought she was representing South Africa, not Ireland? Okay, her longtime partner, Stuart Townsend, is Irish..so I guess love trumps country. But is that really an excuse [...]

The interview Henry gave to French sports paper L’Equipe has finally surfaced in the English media. I’ve posted the interesting excerpts below. Highlights include Henry’s reasons for not retiring after WC 2006, how he has felt since THAT play-off incident and his thoughts on retiring from Les Bleus before South Africa.

“Oh yes,” [...]

Regardless of how France got to the World Cup and whether they deserve to be there, the reality is that this summer, Les Bleus will be in South Africa with Raymond Domenech as their coach. I’m not really interested in revisiting Henry’s goal or the resulting fallout from that, as its been covered very well [...]

The France-Ireland match and the aftermath have been extremely emotional for all involved.
The Match
France humiliated themselves with a pathetic performance, arguably the worst of the Domenech era, which is saying something.
Ireland played very well, but blew multiple goal-scoring chances that would have booked their spot in the World Cup.
France’s captain Thierry Henry played [...]

A few years back, when my daughter was maybe three, she did one of those things which, before you have kids, you swear your little darling will never do. I can’t even remember what it was. Bit her brother, maybe? And so I chastised her, causing her to burst into tears. [...]

If you’re only going to have 5 players play well, make sure they include at least three defenders and the goalkeeper. I’m writing in a vacuum – I did have the Setanta commentator who rightly pointed out how poor France were, but I have to say that I thought France were shocking.
Good performances: [...]

First thing: If you’re catching the game on delay on Setanta, DON’T read the comments. I broke down and forked over my $19.99 to Setanta to watch the game live, so I will be leaving updates there.
And if you have a working illicit stream, please leave that in the comments [...]