The French and the World Cup
In case you didn’t know it, France is out. Dehors, rien à voir. The country which won the World Cup in 1998 was eliminated very early in this year’s World Cup.
French don’t seem surprised nor particularly angry but rather generally accepting. It doesn’t mean they aren’t complaining though. The loss of the French team, “les bleus” is seen as another symptom of how bad France is doing these days, both politically and economically. It is becoming a state affair now as Sarkozy apparently demanded to have a little chat with the team upon their return to France. The whole situation seems so childish and pathetic: overpaid players went go on strike and refused to train, Nicolas Anelka told the coach to “fuck off”, Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot was dispatched to South Africa to talk of “disciplinary action” , sponsors dropped the team… much psychodrama and zero result — oh so French.
In light of the fiasco, French are almost glad their team is out. Non merci, no more embarrassment.
We went to a bar to watch England-Slovakia and it turned out to be a busy place. An English fan was there, he sat stoically for hours and barely moved. A few Americans showed up too and loudly supported U.S which was playing against Algeria.
You can follow our French trip here on Flickr: France (2010).
 Focused on the Game |
 A Stoical Fan |
The Day France Lost… Again
In a Bar
Watching the Game
U.S Score
Gooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!
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Tagged with: Snapshots of France
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Well, this year, Italy, the team that won the 2006 World Cup, was also eliminated after the group phase. Goes to show that, even though there isn’t nearly as much potential for surprise as in, say, baseball, things can change pretty quickly in football as well.
There have been a lot of surprises in the world cup this year. I have been following most of the games. Yes, maybe it is just as well that France did go out when they did, they can get their act together for European Championship. Every team goes through turbulent phases. This too will pass.
Failing to qualify is alright, but the internal squabble is disgracing…
I like your candid shots! I am not a fan of the soccer game, but I definitely feel the exciting atmonsphere worldwide. Glad to see that you are having fun!
@Ghosty Kips — Do they? I found this one had a French feel but again, I don’t go to bars often,
@Agnes — Thanks! More to come…
@Kim — Yes, you are right, this was Slovakia — I should correct it. I saw the Équipe printed the argument verbatim and that was maybe a bit too much…! I know headlines around the world made fun of France. I don’t care much about it… I’m not too patriotic so not easily offended.
@Poem — Et aussi l’Italie… je ne sais pas qui va gagner du coup!
@Cynthia — Much ado about nothing if you want my opinion
@Roadmaster — You are right, there are a lot of upsets this year. I’m not a soccer person but I do tend to think as French or Italy as strong teams — guess I’m wrong! I support Argentina anyway
@DianeCA — I didn’t follow it in canada but it’s hard to ignore in France!
@khengsiong — I agree, it’s disgraceful.
@micki — Thank you! I’m not a sports person either but Feng likes it so we did watch a few games on TV. As long as I have my camera I don’t get too bored