http://thebeantownfrog.blogspot.com/2009/12/world-cup-potsfrance-get-what-they.html

But, I’ve heard that France will be in the first pot which contains the 8 seeded teams since we are currently ranked #7 in the World (according to FIFA), (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=13&Page=6&Article=805)

but it is all still up in the air– http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/fifa-committee-to-decide-world-cup-seeding-this-week/

No one doubts the talent of Ligue 1, but most people assume that anyone good will soon leave for presumably greener pastures. As the sugar daddies start to fade, this will change though, for the better. I think Gourcuff’s move/ stay was a huge turning point symbolic of a resurgence in the league.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/24/zindine.zidane.interview/index.html?section=cnn_latest

I love how he says the best player he’s ever played with or against is Ronaldo (with whom he has a great friendship and organizes those annual charity matches).

It was ridiculous how Henry was snubbed for the Ballon d’Or. If he’d been playing in Spain or Italy at the time, he would’ve won it.

Sarah, I totally agree re your comments on Ligue 1. I’ve been watching it regularly ever since games have been available in the US and it’s remarkable how underrated it is. There is far more technical quality, physicality and toughness than it’s given credit for. And don’t forget Marseille’s performance in the CL. They’re all but knocked out but they were by far the better team against Milan and their other performances were great. Deschamps has really done some fine work with them. I look forward to watching them in the Europa League, hope they go on to win it.

We are in a bad patch of form if we don’t have any players competing for top individual honors. Ugh.

At least we’re qualified for the World Cup.

Cantona does not exactly get maximum credit for fair play or personality. I think you are right– he pissed way too many people off. Agreed on Henry being unfairly snubbed for the trophy early in his career.

I don’t really think the French press actually like it when French players succeed.

Re: Ballon D’Or – My frustration with the Ballon D’Or is that it ignores Ligue 1– if they hadn’t included Gourcuff I wouldn’t have even known that they considered any domestic French players. The French league is improving– two of the three French teams are qualified for the knock-out stages in Europe (Bordeaux and Lyon). Bordeaux has won the top spot– despite having both Bayern and Juventus in their group– without losing a single game (and only 1 draw). Lyon beat Liverpool at Anfield and forced them into a draw at home. I don’t think the French press ever recognizes the progress the league has made. But, I digress…

I have a few qualms with the nominees, but it would be hard to make a case for a French player to be in the top 10. The Offside Front page has posted the issue as well though, and there appears to be at least 1 Thierry Henry advocate there for his inclusion. If the award was for club level alone, I think we would have a case, but France’s international performance has not been something to brag about. Though unrelated to France, I think it is ridiculous that Gerrard was nominated but not Torres, but I guess there were too many other Spaniards on the list. I’ve taken up the issue on the Offside front page and the Offside-Liverpool blog though.

@Foreverzidane: I always like interviews where the interviewer has a more personal relationship with the player– it feels so much more relaxing, less guarded and warm. I watched part of the Chelsea-Arsenal match but I think I may have missed the tackle you are referring to–if you can find a video then post the link here. I do think that it happens more when you are foreign player in another league though– it builds more camaraderie to be two foreigner in a different country. When Benzema played in Ligue 1 and now with Gignac– I dont think any French player thought/thinks twice about chopping them down.