End Of An Era For France
Tuesday June 17, 2008
I think all football writers had been lining up to write the Euro 2008 obituaries of both Italy and France this evening but when it came down to it the World champions managed to step up a gear and the beaten World Cup finalists didn't meaning Italy live to fight another day and France are out.
The French can point to Franck Ribery's early withdrawal from the game through injury and Eric Abidal's sending off as the turning points but in reality Raymond Domenech's men never looked interested enough in trying to fight for the right to progress from Group C and ultimately paid the price with bottom spot in the group.
A lack of interest among their vastly experienced squad was ultimately the French undoing and, while fingers can be pointed at the coach for not motivating his side, the final responsibility must lie with the players who, if they can't get motivated to represent their country at the European Championships, shouldn't be playing professional football.
Too many of the big names look to have gone on for at least one tournament too many and we can safely assume that we've now seen the last of players such as Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram turning out for Les Bleus. If I was given the task of rebuilding after their Euro 2008 disaster I'd go even further and make a clean cut from the past glories by ditching the seriously fading Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira as well and that's just for starters.
There is big talk of former playing greats such as Didier Deschamps or Jean Tigana now replacing coach Domenech and if this is so then they really need to take two years blooding a whole new generation of French players and clear out the old guard altogether. The World Cup in South Africa in 2010 is now France's priority and with young players such as Benzema and Nasri they have the core of a new generation of stars so it's time for the old tired heads to now move aside and let them build a new side worthy of their nation's fine footballing past.
The French can point to Franck Ribery's early withdrawal from the game through injury and Eric Abidal's sending off as the turning points but in reality Raymond Domenech's men never looked interested enough in trying to fight for the right to progress from Group C and ultimately paid the price with bottom spot in the group.
A lack of interest among their vastly experienced squad was ultimately the French undoing and, while fingers can be pointed at the coach for not motivating his side, the final responsibility must lie with the players who, if they can't get motivated to represent their country at the European Championships, shouldn't be playing professional football.
Too many of the big names look to have gone on for at least one tournament too many and we can safely assume that we've now seen the last of players such as Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram turning out for Les Bleus. If I was given the task of rebuilding after their Euro 2008 disaster I'd go even further and make a clean cut from the past glories by ditching the seriously fading Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira as well and that's just for starters.
There is big talk of former playing greats such as Didier Deschamps or Jean Tigana now replacing coach Domenech and if this is so then they really need to take two years blooding a whole new generation of French players and clear out the old guard altogether. The World Cup in South Africa in 2010 is now France's priority and with young players such as Benzema and Nasri they have the core of a new generation of stars so it's time for the old tired heads to now move aside and let them build a new side worthy of their nation's fine footballing past.
Comments
2008 a great disappointment for all of us: Holland, Italy, even France. Looks like they were half dead on field even w/2 days rest. Gus H. is a traitor to Holland and when I see him at home will tell him face to face.Clean out the house, players and coaches for new blood that will give us beautiful football!
i agree totally with you. the french football federation should get rid of the old legs out of the team and concerntrate on injecting into the team fresh blood which can send them to south africa 2010.
this is implies to the italians they cannot always win with grand fathers who cannot even run for 10 minutes. recently the football is played by young but atheletics players who can do the running for 90 mintues or even 120 mintues.
they should pave way for the young ones to fit into the team. they should remember that the retirment in football in recent times is 30 years.
goodbye henry, claude, and co. have a good day.
Long serving Edwin did a great job for the Dutch in the goal. It was the towering goal keeper who kept the Dutch in the game blocking every Russian missile till the very end. His performances against France and Italy were outstanding. Many among us would have loved to see him in the semis and even further.
France missed the services of experienced skipper and play maker Patrick. It must have been agonising for the great man to see his team make an early exit. One still feels his services will be required as France begin the rebuilding process through friendlies and qualification rounds of the next World Cup.
Patrick, Thierry Henry and keeper Gregory would be vital for France in the transition period. Ribery, Sagnol, Malouda, Abidal, Toulalan, Gouvu, Nasri, Benzema, Diarra, Anelka, Trezeguet are all quality players who will be eager to wipe away the memories of their early exit.
World Champions Italy could not field the experienced tactically shrewd Fabio Cannavaro even once. Keeper Gianluigi Buffon kept the Azzuri in the race single-handedly. Without the astute Pirlo and combative Genaro Gattuso in the middle, Italy did not pose much of a challenge to the supremely quick Spaniards. Striker Tony, a prolific scorer in the Bundesliga, did not get the necessary assistance, and failed to hit the nylons even once in the four matches he played.
The Russians have a strategy in place. Guus Hiddink started with plan C and then switched to plan B. He even came with players carrying red cards earned during the qualification rounds.
Germans are peaking at the right time. Spain has quick thinking strikers and mobile mid-fielders. Villa and Silva have been sharp upfront. Turkey cannot be underestimated. They are quick, stubborn and play with passion and pride.
Football is a time to celebrate. Let us wish the four semi-finalists and their fans a jolly good time.