Random Thoughts on France-England

I have approximately nineteen minutes of internet time left before the machine kicks me off. Let’s see what kind of random thoughts I can post on the game before then.

I was at the Stade de France with my two oldest offspring. It was fantastic fun — much better than being at Parc des Princes by myself last September. We took the Metro out to the Stade and only got lost once. I had to ask directions from some adorable French boys who were wearing face paint and red-white-blue wigs. Fortunately they were at the pre-voice-change age, when it’s still considered fun to help Americans. They even came and found us to point us in the right direction at a later subway stop when we were starting to head the wrong way.

Our seats were just to the side of the goalkeeper, so we had half a great view of the action. But the only thing that really counted happened right in front of us — that spectacular Anelka cartwheel that led to the penalty. It was even more amazing in person. (First thing I do when I get back will be to search out a DailyMotion video.) The ref pointed to the spot, and I’m screaming, “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” Then I realized that the guy next to me was staring at me like I was an alien.

Damn. I forget sometimes that I’m an American female.

Ribery was the best thing in the game, from my perspective. Not that this is saying much. It’s hard to get the best perspective when you’re watching the game live, especially from a corner. I didn’t think Toulalan had a great game, particularly first half when he gave the ball away cheaply at least four times. Apparently I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I see everybody else has posted player ratings from various sites. I have the l’Equipe ratings up in my room and will post them later. From my perspective, right to the side of the goal, Gallas had a fantastic game — his head seemed to always be connecting to the ball to drive it away from goal. l’Equipe didn’t agree — they didn’t rate him highly if I’m remembering correctly.

And poor Trez. I had such high hopes. But we tried Anelka-Trezeguet in September at the last game I was at, France-Scotland. It was equally sterile. The sad thing is, he did try. I even saw him back defending at one point. But this team just isn’t made for his style of play. It’s sad. My guess is that this was his last chance, ever. But he got the biggest ovation aside from Anelka. There is that.

The guy next to me gave me a great education in French expletives. (Favorites: “Oh la putain!” and “Oh la vache!”) My twelve-year-old has now picked up “Oh la vache!” as a general, all-purpose expression. I suppose he could do worse.

Like a lot of people, I am not convinced by 1-0, especially since the only score was a penalty. This makes me incredibly nervous going into Euros. I can say, “But it was without Benzema and Henry,” but didn’t they both play at Spain? With no goals? I love this team’s ability to get the ball, hold the ball and play pretty. (Despite the fact that England led on possession, France looked better at it. Hey, that counts for me, okay?) But I sure wish they could find the back of the net more often.

I’m down to four minutes now. So let’s see… It was fun to see Beckham’s 100th cap, but they didn’t make much of it at all. It was fun to see Anelka’s ovation when he was subbed out. It was fun to be at a game where they actually won.

And that’s all I have to say about that.