Franck Ribery’s Out Till September

I’m sad for the temporary loss of TiFranck.
I honestly think that the team *looked* its worst this tounament, actually worse than they really are.

The Oranjes looked very “Bleu” yesterday against Russia, that’s because they were going against a counterattcking team that gave them no space.
Spain today looked awfully “Bleu” against a superb Italian defense, very organised and strong, which cut every space possible (and Spain had 11 players plus their best leaders).

I think, if we find a defense that works together, with Nasri and Benz, we can take care of Austria, and at least tie the Serbs (a dangerous team). No pressure, no pretention; just do the job.

Very disappointed for Ribery my favorite Les Bleus, hope a speedy recovery
and lots of good luck his way. Thank God we don’t have to put up with ignorant Italian fans coming over spewing out gibberish.
I thought that the game could’ve easily been 4-1 for the Spaniards and congrats to them, however the Russians look mighty dangerous, and this one should be a barn burner.
Thanks for informing us of the dates for the Qualifying matches. I’m hoping that one of these matches is a home game so I can see them in Paris.
I guess I should buy the tickets now before it’s too late!

Something else I forgot to mention did anyone get a glimpse of Zizou and Wenger in the stands today?

ForeverZidane, I read that Zizou was in town to give a football clinic and go to the game.

Wonder who he was rooting for.

(Probably the same team I was rooting for. Heehee. Not gloating. This is me, not gloating.)

Too bad for Ribery. He was the most effective player on the French side. Seems like the nicest guy too. Does anyone know when the World Cup qualifier games start?
Christian Loriau

Christian, I believe the first for France is September 6 against Austria.

Apparently, Ribéry said he would like to have Domenech stay at the helm:
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/HOME_euro_2008_equipe_de_france.html

“I can say that, personally, I never had any worries with the coach. For me, Domenech shouldn’t go, he should continue to work with this group. If there were mistakes, he wasn’t the only one all the same. Frankly, I’d like him to stay”

So for the tally sofar:
FOR AGAINST
Vieira Zidane
Sagnol Pires
Ribéry Lizarazu
Some people Many people

ooops the formatting thing crunched my post

For RD:
Vieira, Sagnol, Ribéry, some people

Against RD:
Zidane, Pires, Lizarazu, many people

PS: yes, it was a big thrill to see that shot of Zidane in the stands. He seemed so relaxed and cool.

I wish him a quick recovery ,hope FFF brings on Descamps soon

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I LOVED seeing Arsene and Zizou sitting together at yesterday’s game. Not sure what Les Bleus can do without Ribery, they can probably do ok depending on the opposition. I just worry that even when he’s recovered Franck will take a long time to get back to his best.

“Heehee. Not gloating. This is me, not gloating” LOL!!

Well I’m not going to let anything stop me from gloating!

Yeah, Spain couldn’t break down Italy’s master class in defense yadayadayada but at least they went on the pitch to PLAY FOOTBALL! Spain was the only team on that pitch yesterday actually TRYING to win a football match! Italy played great against Romania–strong both offensively and defensively–but yesterday they displayed a masterclass in cynicism, thuggery, cowardice, and absolutely ZERO creativity. Don’t they have another decent playmaker other than Pirlo? Who the hell can be inspired by a team that sets out from the first second of kick-off to play for penalties? They deserved to go home.

If ribéry wasnt out n abidal didnt get red card, france has a gd chance to be still in the euro 2008

That Ribery injury is catastrophic.
But that will probably give Hatem Ben Arfa a chance to show us what he can do.

Quick question: why are there so many blacks in France’s team?
Why not 75-90 percent ‘de souche’ like other teams? whats going on?

I think you would have to be an expert in France sociology to answer that.

What the hell does it matter what the race of the players are GB?
As long as everyone plays good and fair football, I am content.
Don’t turn this into an argument by asking racial questions GB.
-Hawk

Well it’s a France team singularity, so it’s fair to wonder why, isn’t it? Doesn’t mean he’s judging or anything.

If he (she?) was really wondering then that’s not the way to ask.
…
-Hawk

QUESTION: why are there so many blacks in America’s basketball team? Why are there so many blacks in America’s football (US version) team? Why are there so many blacks in Brazil’s national team? Why are there so many blacks in the Dutch team?

Why is it so strange to believe that a black man can be French?

“QUESTION: why are there so many blacks in America’s basketball team? Why are there so many blacks in America’s football (US version) team?”

When you ask it like that (and I know you aren’t sandrahn) it sounds so racist. I don’t understand why there’s a double standard with French players. Noone ever says anything about American athletes if they have parents from China or Africa, or whereever.

Everybody…there are immigrants in France too!

french fans don’t response to GD, because his going around calling the spansh team asians and arabs, calling romanians gypsies, calling turks non european muslim asian… so on and so on. just ignore him, don’t waste your time with people like him.

I know not to respond to yet another LOSER but just wanted to bring to the rest of you the informative article by Laurie on theoffside.com, as it will address the race issue to a degree.

http://www.theoffside.com/world-football/why-the-french-want-65.html#more-7627

Count me in for 6+5, even if it means that the GUNNERS might not maintain that “je ne sais quoi”!

Foreverzidane, the 6+5 rule is thoroughly stupid and I just posted my reasoning over on Laurie’s blog you linked to.

sandrahn I responded but in some magical way the whole discussion has disappeared! Laurie where is the 6+5?