France have just become the first big team to be eliminated from the World Cup. Their quest for glory ended in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts South Africa in Group A.
South Africa also went out at the group stage despite their win, as Uruguay had beaten Mexico in the other match. France had suffered from internal problems. Striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home after a row with manager Raymond Domenech which lead to fellow members of the squad refusing to train on hearing the news.
It’s the second time in recent World Cups that they went out at the group stage. They also went out in 2002 despite being then the champions. It’s fair to say that they have been a shadow of their former selves, and judging the way they got to South Africa, many commentators felt that justice has finally been done.
However, I have a feeling that despite this, the team will definitely rise again. Unlike say, er, England….
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