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France out of Euro 2008

June 17th, 2008 | By: jeff | 57 Comments »

It was a frustrating Euro 2008 for France Supporters.

But, France did score a goal against Holland. That goal is a consolation given the events of the 2002 World Cup in which France also managed only a single point from the group phase, and didn’t score a single goal.

The Henry goal came from a great cross by Sagnol, albeit on the wrong end of a 4-1 rout.

Delusional as it may be, I thought France looked ok in large part in Euro 2008. The defense crumbled at key moments against Holland. The offense was impotent against Romania and Italy, and for the most part against Holland. Aside from being really bad, France looked ok.

The echoes of 2002 are ringing in my head: Henry sent off early against Uruguay with France in a tight spot, Abidal sent off early against Italy with France in a tight spot. France dramatically underachieving, but still with a chance to go through in the 3rd group game, only to underline their underachievement in that 3rd game.

Still, disappointed as I am; “Gutted” as the British say, and delusional as it may sound, I still feel there’s a lot of top quality in France’s national team, and that with a little luck they could be all-conquering. Maybe that feeling will fade with players like Claude Makelele and Thierry Henry, a couple of the best players in world football over the last 10 years, at, or very near, the end of their international careers.

Maybe the timing and luck will continue to be all wrong for France in 2010, with the new greats, Benzema, Ribery, and associates, still lacking the supporting cast of a complete first 11 that can conquer the world.

For me, as an Arsenal supporter, I’ve been well-prepared for disappointment by the events of the 2007-2008 Premier League and Champions League.

And while France have had a disaster, other teams like Holland and Spain have looked like producing the magic this time around. Good luck to them.

I’ve said it several times, but I’m not averse to repetition: the commenters make this site – people like Jean-Michel, Sandrahn, Doume, Kyle, Seb, Glatisant, Magnusson, Dan, Set, Eric, Glancing Header, Patrick, lefutur, Rajib, Luc, princedesparcs, Ben, Benjamin, all the Juliens and Julian, Intan, JP, Aditya, foreverzidane, and Terry Carvallo, to name a few. Flame me in the comments if you’re a good commenter and I forgot you. Thanks for your participation, and enjoy the rest of the Euros as a neutral.

I’m rooting for Spain, and my boy Cesc.

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Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 57 comments.

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By Julian | June 18th, 2008 at 10:12 am

Foreverzidane,

Though I share your pain in Frances loss it is not fair to blame the ref. He had no choice but to issue a red card to Abidal. Abidal would have been better off risking letting Toni have the shot and not make such a clumsy tackle.

Till 2010

By Ben | June 18th, 2008 at 10:44 am

Guys don’t listen to the taunts of these supposed Italian supporters, they don’t even speak a word of Italian and probably think that Spaghetti and meatballs is a dish of preference. I support the Azzurri and though I don’t care much for Domenech I am a big fan of many players on your team, good match, apologies for the stronzi that invade your message board.

Posted from United States

By alessio | June 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am

Maybe a French supporter who wants to get em riled up against us.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/blogs/sw30.html

Nevermind Gomis, Anelka? Are you serious?!

Posted from United States

By Luc | June 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am

In a sense, I am one of the lucky ones. Because I am currently in Malaysia I was not able to watch the match (I would have been able to normally in Thailand where I live). Not that it made finding out the result any easier. Over the past few days, I’ve been reading everything on here as part of the my own build up for the game. With all the huge disappointment, will you all allow me to vent just a tiny bit? The following is in no order of importance.

- With Domenech’s idiotic tactics, terrible statements over the years, etc, I will have a gigantic beer when he gets the sack. I am still have trouble with the Boumsong for Nasri. Where things thrown from the stands and hit him on the head.

- The generation is still a strong one with WC-winning capabilities. Priority must be given straight away to the yonger ones like Flamini, Ben Harfa, and a couple others so that can have the time to gel into a team. And even if it results in more losses, we must revive the attacking style (that’s why i’d go for Tigana as the next coach though I admit I don’t know that much about him). I don’t spectate the sport of football to see how well a team can minimize risk, score from dead ball situations, seek fouls. I spectate it because it’s a great game played openly!! So go Holland for the rest of the tournament.

- Believe it or not, I played against the city of Trappes at a time when Anelka was there before he moved to the PSG youth system (I think my team lost something like 8-1) so I always sort of supported him. Not anymore – where was he during this tournament? Nowhere.

- Despite some of things said on this blog, there are indeed many sporting Italians fans who have congratulated France now and in the past, and understand how it has come to be that EDF is a multi-ethnic team. We need to remember that. A couple of them, close friends of mine, are married to Africans and have children with Italian nationality. Perhaps this debate will die down as countries evolve (they always have and will continue to do so) and peoples mix (they also always have and will continue to do so)?? Maybe I am being too idealist but doesn’t seem like there is much choice in the matter.

- Overall, it really is strange that so many racial components come into the discussion. I wasn’t aware that I should be ashamed that France has players of different ethnic backgrounds, the vast majority born and raised in France. I also wasn’t aware that if Patrick moved to France at a young age, grew up in France, was trained in France and chose to defend the French colours, I should also be ashamed. I am quite proud of it actually. I am half-French and half-American and left France when was 19. If magically someone asked me to play for EDF (in a parallel but extremely distant universe), I would do it in a second. And if someone told me that I couldn’t because I am not “full-blooded French”, I’d ask to meet them in a ring.

Thanks for indulging me on this one. Needed to get it all out!!!

Posted from Malaysia

By Seb | June 18th, 2008 at 11:09 am

Alessio, I see you’re a Juve supporter and I have no doubt you are qualified to comment on this topic. Yet although I am not a huge fan of Anelka, he deserved to be in the squad, I believe, as he did help significantly in the qualifiers (even if it was against the “minnow” countries). I do think Domenech erred in overlooking his second half of the season at Chelsea, and I definitely thought Trezeguet deserved to be in the squad, with Anelka being the 4th, instead of 3rd, striker.

In any event, as I have said all along in this thread, I am happy to have actually met, over the course of these years in the rivalry, some very classy Italian fans, and actually some of them are my own cousins. After the whistle had sounded yesterday, even though I wanted to turn off the TV, I was touched to see Thuram and Cannavaro sharing kind words, as well as even Grosso going over to comfort a beleaguered Benzema, as even though I enjoy the overwhelming intensity of our rivalry, I think when the matches are over we should all show the class that our two nations are renown for. After all, I don’t think that any of us should take after Domenech.

By Jean-Michel | June 18th, 2008 at 11:11 am

Inara, Jeff, & Laurie,
Thank you for the excellent coverage of our squad. I’m addicted to the site and have adopted the offside & the site that Stephane & J.P. run as sister sites to this one. Although its safe to say that we all wanted Euro glory, the friendlies were not very convincing and this may just be a blessing in disguise. We will rebuild no doubt and I know that the strong community of readers and commenters will keep it interesting throughout the process.

Posted from United States

By sandrahn | June 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm

Ben and Luc, FANTASTIC POSTS!!

Posted from United States

By alessio | June 18th, 2008 at 12:46 pm

Seb, I have yet to see anything from Anelka to convince me. I completely predicted he would flop at Chelsea, when they were pursuing him in January I said to my ManUre friend that he was worthless and would be completely underwhelming. The CL final confirmed it. When a guy has the world’s record transfer fee, you can infer 2 things. Either #1- He’s terrific and likes to move around, or #2- He’s incredibly overrated despite some talent and the big clubs don’t learn. For Anelka, it’s #2.

I am a Juventino and despite it being Italy’s gain, I feel bad for Trezegol. He was outstanding this season, and while watchin Euro2008 French games (and Italian) I kept yelling, how many times where there goal scoring opportunities that weren’t hammered in. (Luca Toni comes to mind) Trezegol would have pounded those in.

As a Juventus+Italy supporter, I of course love to see France lose to us. But being a Juventus fan, I have a special place for France. Thuram, Zidane, Trezeguet, Platini, Deschamps, even down to the Boumsongs and Zebinas, (no mention of Henry or that traitor Vieira) I admire and enjoy watching Les Bleus…even if I won’t say I like them.

Posted from United States

By Jean-Michel | June 18th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

Trez has proven his class. His France goal/game ratio is ridiculous. Yet still he has been a scapegoat of sorts. I know he is a Bleu at heart and hates to see his footballing brothers lose but Domenech had this coming to him. France did not have the world of opportunities this Euro but the few they had were squandered. Trez may not be the fastest striker but a great finisher he is. His work with the head and anywhere in the 30 yard box is respected in Serie A.

Posted from United States

By alessio | June 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

His France goal/game ratio is ridiculous, his Juve one is just as ridiculous. 220 goals in 390 games.

Posted from United States

By Magnusson | June 18th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

Sandrahn – If you want to know anything about senegal and france soccer players, ask and please don’t embarass yourself with these types of “facts”.
No animosity but most of what you wrote is not accurate.

And I still can’t believe nobody has talked aboyut Raymond’s proposal to Estelle Denis

Posted from France

By sandrahn | June 18th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Magnusson, then refute what I said by backing up your comment and showing me where I’m wrong.

Posted from United States

By Jean-Michel | June 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

Yeah I heard about the proposal around noon Magnusson. What is this garbage about? He couldn’t take the heat during the press conference so he distracts journalists with a half assed public marriage proposal? This guy is making a complete spectacle of himself.

Posted from United States

By Jean-Michel | June 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

http://ballhype.com/video/domenech_on_m6/

Its great that his personal life is going great but you have to question the timing of this.

Posted from United States

By jer | June 18th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

has anyone mentioned how idiotic leaving mexes out was.

domenech proved himself a fool.

he constantly said crap about italy.

he left trez, mexes and flamini out.

anything having to do with italy he vetoed. these are the actions of a very stupid man.

if i were those players, i’d have been cheering italy on.

By Laurie | June 18th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

“And I still can’t believe nobody has talked aboyut Raymond’s proposal to Estelle Denis”

I had a post almost ready to go up on the main Euro page, and my phone/internet went down! But fear not. I’m on it.

Posted from United States

By Benjamin | June 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

haha, ya laurie
i think domenech shoulda gotten dumped after this pathetic display.
then i woulda hookep up with estelle for consolation, just like guily
did LOL

By Haarlem | June 18th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

JE TE NIQUE DOMENECH ET BAISE TA FUTURE FEMME !!!!

Posted from United States

By talia | June 19th, 2008 at 1:24 am

I knew this game was lost when these articles came out. The Italians “approved” of the referee before the game – do I recall some nasty business about referees and Italians? Coincidence?
http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=737210
and this, Buffon “urges” Van Basten?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/euro2008/article-1027097/Italy-captain-Buffon-urges-Van-Basten-prevent-fix.html
Sounds like he made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats.
Cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats. cheats.

Posted from United States

By Foreverzidane | June 19th, 2008 at 9:44 am

Hey Porchy man:
Your team won it, even the penalty which Toni totally did his best salesmanship was quite legit, the red card a bit harsh but it was the right call (as much as I hate to admit!).
Now we’ve got 10 players to your 11 correct?
Wouldn’t your logical mind imply that one team has more space than the other by coverage? Therefore more chances, so please don’t gloat over the fact that Italy could’ve won by 6 goals. France faught hard with 10 and as
a Les Bleus fan I’m proud of these guys. However how can you predict the unlucky tip by Henry? France squandered many chances as well.
Also enjoy the rivalry, if there was no Les Bleus who else would bring
so much hatered and anger in you? PORTUGUESE perhaps?
Now I hope that you grow up and become a fine full blooded Italian “MAN” not a “BOY”,
and stop your stupid streotypes on the French blog pages. CIAO!!!!!!!!

By Foreverzidane | June 19th, 2008 at 9:49 am

On a lighter note I’m sure you’ve seen the Bus carrying Les Bleus on theoffside.com . If you haven’t seen it you should. It summarizes this tournament for them as if anything else could’ve gone wrong.

http://euro2008.worldcupblog.org/news/video-of-the-french-coach-getting-it-all-wrong.html

By Kxevin | June 19th, 2008 at 10:36 am

Our biggest problem is midfield control. It was the same in the World Cup final. When Vieira went out in that match, there went midfield control and there went the match. Likewise here. Ribery’s efforts are generally for naught because when the ball enters the middle of the pitch, we have no effective answers for Gattuso, Pirlo and the like.

No, there isn’t another Zidane out there with his touch, control and mastery of the midfield. So tactics have to enter the picture. Our back line was also appalling. As a cule, I can say that Thuram pulled out some man-like performances for us this past year, but he just wasn’t there for Euros. And whenever Abidal gets near the center, look out, as we Barca lovers also discovered this past season.

If we’re making the Anelka/Trezeguet discussion, it’s Trezeguet, all day and all night. He’s for sale for 25 million, and if the price comes down, I hope we grab him. He’d look great in blaugrana.

A new coach with logical selection patterns fixes a lot of the problems, I think. Making the Cup final (despite Domenech) only masked the difficulties. His loyalty to Barthez (Coupet would NOT have allowed that cross to get to Materazzi) was as unfathomable as his loyalty to Coupet this go-round.

Argh, merde, mon dieu, quelle horreur….comme vous voulez.

Posted from United States

By Hello All! | June 19th, 2008 at 10:42 am

Hi talia (post June 19th, 2008 at 1:24 am) — just letting you know you left your tinfoil hat over at my place.

By Jean Pierre | June 19th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

I’m happy that I’m not the only when who is upset about this frustrating euro cup. I’m French but I live in Holland, and on school all those people say Go Holland in their orange shirts lol// anyways Ribery is a legend, too bad he was out after 10 minutes, from then on I knew France wudn’t win.. n france shud have got 2 penalties in the match against Holland.. I miss Zidane and I hope Henry will still play in the world cup, he is just 30 i think he cud continue for at least 4 years

Posted from Netherlands

By Foreverzidane | June 19th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Point is:

C.Ronaldo couldn’t and won’t ever be able to do it,
Henry Likewise, Ribery likewise, Kobe Brayant as well.
Zidane did it, so did Michael Jordan for years!

You can be the greatest player on the planet but LEADERSHIP
is a whole different intangible!

The others need a supporting cast as case in point with Portugal
and C.Ronaldo the world’s current greatest footballer.

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