England, in their own way, as woeful as France (well, maybe not quite)

June 27th, 2010 | by: jeff |

France were terrible in this World Cup, managing only 1 point and 1 goal in the group stage, and, incredibly, alienating their fans perhaps even more with their off-field antics.

With France knocked out, there’s a general feeling I’m getting from most France supporters that the woeful performance was absolutely no surprise given how poor the manger was; but that it’s a pity that the players had to disgrace themselves to the extent that they did.

The expectations for France were sufficiently low – it’s mostly a case of water under the bridge for the supporters. Many, perhaps most, aren’t too bitter to enjoy the rest of the tournament.

And today’s England-Germany match was a brilliant spectacle for neutrals, and no less so for France, geographically right in the middle of two of it’s old enemies (and current allies, of course, politically – but bitter rivals in sport, mind you). The average France citizen I’ve polled was pulling for England, but there’s a perverse consolation in seeing another team full of talented players implode to such an extent.

FIFA is an absolute disgrace for not allowing England’s 2nd goal, but England are a disgrace for conceding a whopping 4.

England are similar to France in that on paper, they look like a great side, full of club pedigree. On the pitch, they were a shambles today. France, in particular, from my vantage point, Eric Abidal, but collectively as well, threw in the towel when faced with adversity, and England crumbled today in similar fashion.

The two goals they conceded in quick succession in the second half were a bit of a pick-me-up for France supporters of a certain mindset, who thought to themselves, “This lot’s almost as bad as we were.”

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http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Pirce/100000088233919 Nick Pirce

Fabio Capello is not my man
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/MFRYYAYE4TABYEM7B7OAJQJOZA Rajib hasan

Well…I don't think Germany's 3rd and 4th goal should be seen in isolation from England's disallowed second goal. In both the 3rd and 4th goal, English pushed really hard forward, which made it hard for the defense to get back. Also, if the second goal had gone in, the English would have been in a much better mindset. So yet, English defense was horrible, Rooney was a total flop – but still, for me, that disallowed goal sealed the fate.
JeanFrancoisRacinet

It's actually more woeful than France, because at least us French are blaming ourselves for the early exit.

The English are blaming the disallowed goal as one of the major reasons they lost the match today. Sure, it would have helped their morale a lot to equalize. But seriously? The English got smashed 4-1 today mostly because of bad defending (especially against counters). The USA had TWO certain goals disallowed.

In France's last match against South Africa Yoann Gourcuff, arguably France's “playmaker” was given a red card about 20 minutes into the match. The red was a bit harsh and considering how early it was, the ref should have given a yellow. This gave the French no hopes of a comeback and they were VERY lucky to score a goal later in the game.

Did the French blame the ref's for the loss? NO. Surprisingly, the French didn't even give all the blame to the coach (Raymond Domenech). They blamed the players and the FA as well.

I've even seen people saying that certain players shouldn't have worn certain numbers on their jerseys. It's just a number, and sure, it has sentimental value. Sidney Govou wore the #10 jersey for France this summer (Zidane was #10) and I didn't even think of that as a possible excuse for bad play. Saying that offensive players were wearing “defensive” numbers.

Fabio Capello is an amazing coach and you're sick if you blame him for this catastrophe. Everyone makes mistakes. Even the American coach, Bob Bradley, who made an awful mistake of starting Ricardo Clark against Ghana, was not blamed by the loyal American fans.

To the English, your players are truly at fault for their early exit. Which is okay, as long as you realize it. I don't want to hear you bitching about this game for 40 years. Go home, keep your coach, and get ready for EURO 2012 because Laurent Blanc and Les Bleus are going to come with a bang!

Jean-François
Eelskinner

If France played Germany the score would be something like Germany 9: -2 France (yes that's a negative)
Jeff

I know what you mean. If that goal had been recognized, then it would have been a different match.
Jeff

Germany were good today. I like their player Ozil.
Jeff

That Gourcuff red card was the referee kicking us when we were down. The guy acted like he'd been shot, but it looked like maybe a yellow.
Jeff

He'd done a good job keeping the English tabloids at bay for a long time. I think he'll get the Sven-Goran/Steve McLaren treatment from now on.
sandra350

Actually, NOT — to the contrary. The ONLY good thing you could say about Domenech's team was that they conceded very few goals. They couldn't score but France's defense was among the best in Europe. England's defense was far more woeful than France's.
john

I love the way you always find the positive in our beloved team.
john

Actually after reading the horrible slanderous things you said about me on a previous I take my compliment back.

Some courtesy and respect is something I think we expect and deserve when voicing our opinions, even if they differ from yours.
sandra350

I don't respect you john, never will, you're a liar and a troll and a hypocrite
Aditya

Are the English even worth discussing? I mean this happens every major tournament. When was the last time they beat any of the major nations? I just remember them beating Germany in 2001 & Argentina in 2002. I will even add Croatia as they are a pretty decent team. Even France beat them in Capello era 1-0 with convincing ease.

Even at 2-2 Germany would have won the game in 2nd half.