France vs Uruguay

What? France took several pot shots and Toulalan had one decent effort in particular from long range that was comfortably saved by the Uruguay keeper.

It seems that the final delivery was a bit troubling despite the many times they were in the last third. But they still have the dominating attack from the midfield to keep it going. So something bound to click during the tournament.

Malouda too just before the red?

Like I said, I only have seen the second half . . . about the last 20-30 minutes maybe.

Ok fair enough then, apologies. They took quite a few long range shots in the first half that were well off target.

I think France's biggest problem will be getting out of the group, then if they do they will go far. Similar to 06.

I see. Well, it seems that maybe the balls can travel a fairly long distance but getting it under the bar and in line maybe a bit tricker for the players still. If it is off, it goes really off. There is bound to be a real screamer of a long shot by the end of this tournament, surely.

They are so unpredictable in that regard. Which I initially written them off due to recent bad/mixed results, but having seen some of their play, they are not that far from clicking together like a football machine. It is such a hit and miss with them.

Yeah, they bossed the most part of that game. Just couldn't create the clear chances and lacked the killer instinct because they spent a lot of time in the final third. Hopefully it all clicks against Mexico or South Africa and they spank someone 5-0.

I hope not cheating c**ts don't deserve to be there - hope they suffer a repeat of 02

It's such a crap group though, I can't really not see them coming at least second.

If the Mexicans can get their sh*t together you never know - here's hoping at least!

France has a big problem: the coach

Agreed. Domenech is an idiot. Don't know why they didn't sack him after the European Cup.

Very dull
SA v. Mexico was a worthy opener, that was pants

Question- France have one star above their emblem, did Uruguay's designer forget to stictch two on for them?

Commentator was so crap.  Listening to him was horrid.  Every now and then, after having a great opportunity France would have a far lesser opportunity over which the commentator would be more impassioned than the previous, better one.  At one point: "Is this the moment for France! GIGNAC!" - this all being said with Gignac only a step or two in the box with three defenders plus the keeper in his way.

I still think France are a quality side.  Only they couldn't finish a sandwich.

Not even a baguette with dijon mustard and canard a l'orange?

Govou's chance was horrid.  Even I could get that on target - that was woeful.  I don't know why Domenech pulled off Anelka.  It was clear he didn't have enough support.  I think Henry going up with Anelka would have been smarter.  On for Ribery maybe.

After staying up for 25 hours (I was too excited about the football), I fell asleep at half time. I assume the second half was as frustrating as the first. France look to be continuing their rubbish first round performances of the last two cups. They looked good at times, but damn they couldn't finish! Uruguay looked outclassed.

I agree, that was so infuriating! He was useless.

awful game. a lot of huffing and puffing but no real skill or invention. Symptomatic of the modern game really. Good result for Uruguay especially considering the red card. here is hoping Nigeria v Argentina can get the tournament on track quality football wise. 

Domenech quarreled with everybody:

- he renounced to some experienced players like Frey, Mexes, Trezeguet, Vieira (and ok...this can be right... Vieira is finished...)

- he renounced to the best young and talented players (Ben Arfa, Nasri, Benzema)

- he imposed the 4-3-3 that doesn't work with the players he has

- he chose Govou and Anelka (they aren't top players...especially Govou), while Henry is a reserve

- he chose Evra like captain, also if Gallas had the "right" to do it... and this split the team

- he is also unlucky, he lost Diarra... and Ribery, after the sex-scandal, is a ghost


so it's normal that France has difficulties to play

Anelka had a major case of donkeyitis today, I would have pulled him off before halftime, that's how bad he was. Bad touches, pissing around with the ball too long, stupid runs, quite a few times offside - it was like he was trying to produce a performance for an instructional video how not to play striker.

Govou is just not really that good of a player, it's not so much his fault that he's been thrust into a level which is too good for him, as much as Domenech's, who, as I've repeatedly said, is an idiot. Put Malouda on the wing and Henry up front, and it's gonna be better. Still think they have a lot of quality to do a lot of damage in this World Cup, but they'll need inspiration from someone in the way they had from Zidane in 2006.

And though Diaby was fantastic in the first half, a bit paler performance in the second, but was quality overall.

They need Zidane to talk them into some performance. Because they have the quality. Remind me of the Nix before the 6-0 win. And agree Malouda and Henry should start.

I didn't think Anelka was as bad as you made him out to be.  Being given scraps hardly makes him look good.  Wasn't perfect though.

Maybe I'm saying that as I just forked out a bit of dough on an Anelka shirt.  You decide.

Anelka is a good player... but nothing more.
i remember when Ronaldo had an accident in Inter... and Nike tried to launch Anelka as the new top player of the world...