World Cup: Brazil Carves Up Turkey

(11 of 12)

Demise of the Usual Suspects
Zut alors! We should remember that the French started slowly in '98, too — and that they won the Cup without ever finding a reliable scorer. But I wouldn't pick them over Denmark — and they need a two-goal win — on form so far. The best team in that group, though, is Senegal, another bunch of speed merchants. Diouf — who will be playing for Liverpool next season — is a natural. Does everyone appreciate that it is quite possible that none of England, France and Germany will qualify for the second round? I caught the whole of the Germany v. Ireland game on tape delay, and the Germans — Didier Hammann apart (what club does he play for?) — looked very tame. Mind you, Cameroon, who will play the Germans next, didn't look so hot this morning. But Rigobert Song had one of the best 'dos seen so far; he wouldn't have dared show it when he played for.... (Editor's note: deleted; repetition.)

One thing about this year's tournament that's clearer than ever before: the long European season really hurts, even with the top clubs having 20-man squads. No Pires or Gerrard; Zidane and (I maintain) Figo crocked; Reyna plainly banged up. The competitiveness of the European domestic leagues and the Champions League is a wonderful thing, but it comes at a price.

Bleus World Cup Ain't Over Yet
The good news is, it still ain't over for France, and despite the loss of Henry and Petit for two (here's hoping) and one game respectively, les Bleus are looking a bit better — even at 10 against 12 (I love lousy refs). If my math is correct, a French victory over Denmark next week, and a Senegal victory (or even scoreless tie) to get into the next round. Both scenarios very do-able, though France will have to change one little thing in its play thus far: PUT THE BALL IN THE DAMNED NET. Ah, but let's not forget they'll also have Zizou back. Lemerre played craps today and damned near lost big. He may have lost yet — we'll know after the Denmark match — but France should get a lift from dodging the elimination bullet today down a man, and with Zidane on the way back.

Just a few notes:

Bill Saporito's description of Barthez having a tendency to lose his sanity at critical moments remains spot on. Luckily he remained (largely) among the non-deranged today. Think if you were giving the gold star to a keeper, however, Cavallero gets it for keeping what began to seem like millions of French shots out.

Bill might have made the same comment about Roger Lemerre. First off, filling Zidane's shoes ain't easy, especially for two guys (Djorkaeff and Micoud) who were benched by vindictive coaches for most of the professional season (i.e. they came to Asia fresh, but rusty). Still, Micoud, if you get the nod, play, dammit — don't be so terrified that you're going to screw up that you certain to screw up. By half time, it was clear Micoud wasn't the answer to the Bleus blues. So what does Lemerre do? Sticks with him. When he finally makes the right move to Dugarry, he pulls Trezeguet and leaves Micoud in. Barthez coaching, you might say.

I hope Viera happens across Dario Silva in a dark alley one night. I'd just listen to the screams of life-depleting agony and enjoy.

If France can squeeze into the next round after this man-down nightmare — and the do-or-die game with Denmark that will also require some help from Senegal — it's probably a good thing that they'd wind up facing Argentina in the first game of the elimination round. Having escaped the trap they set for themselves, the relief and rush the French might feel would be a required ally if they hope to get past Argentina. And even then — given their current level of play — it'd be a long-shot. Still, you'd want to take on a titan when you're on a roll...

French Lack Leaders
As soon as the Mexican ref was announced I told my fellow viewers the French were in trouble. I just didn't think it would be so blatant, so hideous. If I got red-carded for every such foul I've committed I'd have missed years worth of game in suspension. In Scotland, they'd have played on.

I realized too that the issue goes deeper than replacing Zidane. There's no leadership up the whole center of the park. Blanc and Deschamps also served as team leaders, and filled in for Zizou when needed. But Michoud, Veira, and Manu don't want to lead. Les Blues need someone with les balls.

Requiem for Les Bleus
All Bets Are Off!
England-Argentina: It's Anybody's Cup
France-Uruguay: Adieu, Les Bleus?
Team USA: Who Knew?
Ave, Korea!
England Sticks to a Sad Script
Europe vs. Africa