A day of opposite extremes, one that Mexicans around the world will remember for a long time, one the French will mark as one of the darkest moments of their sporting history. The match itself was not spectacular. France failed to create a single, clear goal-scoring chance in 90 minutes, despite having Ribery, Anelka and Malouda on the field. More entertaining was the atmosphere created by the overwhelmingly pro-Mexican crowd in the stadium. But Aguirre’s team played with more determination, unified, with common purpose and that was enough to scrape a win that takes them into a probable second round match-up with Argentina. France is likely to head home next Tuesday, after a calamitous appearance at the World Cup.
Mexican jubilation at the World Cup.
France’s probable exit from the World Cup, while not only predictable but in fact predicted, represents the dreadful culmination of the Domenech era, one of the worst managerial performances on record when considering the talent France has to work with. Domenech’s monumental failure is a tragedy not only for France but especially for the French players and for soccer fans everywhere. He created an atmosphere of distrust, no discernible tactics, a team without soul, disjointed in every segment of the game. Yet the greater responsibility lies with the French Federation, specifically with those who kept Domenech in charge even after repeated alarming results during the qualification and preparation campaigns. A loss to Austria, frequent clashes with players, near calamity against Ireland, poor results against Tunisia, Costa Rica, a loss to China – all pointed to this outcome.
The man who ruined the French national team (Raymond Domenech, on the left) and the man who can return it to glory (Arsene Wenger, on the right)
France ran around aimlessly yesterday, the players lamentably distant from each other. The most incredible and revealing sight was Domenech himself, after Mexico’s second goal, leaning in solitude against a post with a look of blatant detachment from what was transpiring, seemingly vaguely interested, a revolting serenity that said it all. Some of France’s players will still be around for the Euros in two years, but for many, including Thierry Henry who gave a lot to his country over the years, this experience was devastating.