Comments on: David Ngog to Choose Cameroon over France?

By: glatisant

glatisant — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:31:55 +0000

A belated welcome!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:26:34 +0000

@GFC: The guy is barely 20 and he has been living up to his potential this season at Liverpool. He has been able to produce even in high pressure situations (against Man Utd and Debrecen), and I don’t think he should be punished for not being able to produce game winning performances at an 18 year old at PSG. There is no question (in my head, at least) that he could help France in a few years. The only question for me is if he would be better off with Cameroon.

By: GFC

GFC — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:36:20 +0000

NGog has always been a player with lots of “potential” but has never lived up to it. He has always been a starter for the French Espoirs, however that just means he is not good enough to get on the A Side. I do not think that his switching national teams will be a huge loss. Just like when Kanoute decided to play for Mali (he was on the expand list for the Euro 2004 under Santini but was left off at the last cut which is when he switched national side). Clearly Domenech is aware when a player has dual nationality and is sitting on the fence between two nations – Sissoko (Mali – France) Ben Afra (Tunisia – France) – and is willing to call them up to tie them to France…if they are worth it which Sissoko definitely is and Ben Afra was…this is not new in international football. Even the great Puskas played for two nations – http://thebeantownfrog.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-nationality-are-you-or-more.html

By: john

john — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:50:35 +0000

sandrahn

Apology accepted…. Sometimes passion overtakes reason

regards

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:32:46 +0000

Yeah, Jacquet has said Domenech should have stepped down right after Euro 2008.

Doumé: On the topic of Les Bleus appeal to foreigners…well, I’m a die hard Les Bleus fan, I wouldn’t even think about sympathizing with anyone else, but I’ve lived in the U.S. for my entire life and am of Swedish and Irish descent, no French in me. I honestly don’t think where you’re from matters all that much.

By: Doumé

Doumé — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:39:52 +0000

Sarah,
Welcome here!
Thank you for your article which was welcome relief after the darkness we have lived. No need to apologize! Anything you will post will provoke a reaction and I’m sure Laurie and Jeff told you that.
Personally, as a Frenchman who lived in the US more than 15 years, I am totally amazed that somebody outside our little country would have interest for us, even support our team. Stumbling into this blog and getting to know the regulars made me think about what this team means abroad. Bless you all for supporting this team! We never were Brazil and never will be, never pretended to be. I could tell you the French side of football, which is the point of view of spoiled brats who suddenly, having won the World Cup in 98, can tolerate no less than a repeat, and in style!
That’s why, as a Frenchman who has acess to French press, I stay in touch with this blog, because it brings a much fresher point of view. Thanks for your ideas.
You’ll get used to the regulars here, so many have genuine love and support for the team (of course there are also occasional “guest snipers”). Some really bring good info here which I never heard from in France. Again, welcome!
—————————————————–
Aimé Jacquet is now pronouncing for Domenech’s withdrawal, citing the fact that 4 years at the helm are far far too much exhausting for a person. He was a defender of Domenech’s in the past. Tipping point or just another 2 cents?

By: sandrahn

sandrahn — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:56:36 +0000

Sarah, thanks for you excellent replies. Apologies if I sounded too harsh and misunderstood your intent. I was sincere in welcoming you as a new France blogger. As for my stereotypes re Americans…well, after the last 8-9 years of such intense public (and very proud) francophobia in the US, it’s not too unreasonable to to be delightfully surprised that an American openly admits to supporting/liking France (in football or elsewhere), esp. after the recent hysteria over Henry and Ireland. This section of this website regularly receives ugly, racist, hateful posts that I don’t believe is equalled anywhere else on this site (yes, including Italy). So some of us here have developed oversensitivity — that explains my response to your blog. Again, sincere apologies.

But I do concede your basic point re stereotyping Americans re their attitudes toward France.

You pointed out recent PR in the Spanish press re Pires and Valbuena, I stand corrected. I actually had read a couple of brief items on Pires (I do read the Spanish, French and Italian football press when I can), and had just forgotten it. Hadn’t read anything about Valbuena, tho (I like both players, esp. Pires of course — I’m a gooner and Bobby will always be one of my all time favorite players in the sport).

Anyway, welcome again, I hope we haven’t turned you off the blog. Also, thanks for deleting the predictable racist idiocies that often plague this blog.

Have to agree with whoever brought up Kanoute — a great loss for France. Drogba too of course.

By: pierrot

pierrot — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:18:49 +0000

thank you for taking the time to write this informative post. i look forward to more.

and while i’m a french NT supporter, the cameroons have been a sentimental favorite of mine since their stylish WC debut in 82. would love to see them play france in the 2010 final. i would be forced to cheer for the first african world cup winner.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:03:51 +0000

Okay, I’ve had to delete some offensive posts. Just a quick reminder to everyone that this blog is NOT the appropriate place to discuss what constitutes French national identity. It is pointless– and until the FFF, FIFA or the French government changes its immigration policies these players are able to play for both France and/or their parent’s country so I suggest you just get use to it. You can make comments on players who should or should not be picked for the French team– but comments that make this argument based on race will be deleted. You’ve been warned.

Please, let’s focus on more practical matters and finally move on from this asinine debate.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:20:24 +0000

@Jean Francois: I would love to see him play for France. I agree that some of the French players have a similar style to him– but I think he has done something the past few weeks that most of the French National team hasn’t done. He has played well under pressure.

@Jao: It is difficult, but not impossible to get into the French A team at a young age. Benzema, Nasri and Ben Arfa were all given their caps at a young age. It would be a loss for France if younger players being to choose to play for Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco etc– but its an understandable decision for the players to make.

@Jeff: I completely agree with you. It would be tragic if a player only received one cap from France which prevented him from being able have a better international career elsewhere. It is a loss to the player and to the fans who wouldn’t be able to see him play.