Draw: Those Blasted French(wo)men

December 2nd, 2007 | by: chris |

Sure, it’s this year’s “Group of Death”, if you will, but I could care less. I’m so sick of playing France. More so, having to listed to the pregame bitching, moaning and whining from the Frenchies about the Italian tactics, players and propensity for “cheating” (while you’re at it, why don’t you watch some back tapes of Thierry Henry and Florent Malouda). And of course, all of this is led by the King of Bitchiness, Raymond Domenech, who clearly wakes up and inserts a sawed-off broomstick up his ass just to make himself that much more ornery for the day. Although, then again, that picture to the left is pretty telling as to how he feels about the draw, and may be worth it all in itself.

What’s more is this will take away from the entire purpose of the European Championships: the football. It’s supposed to be a display of the continents top sides, but the run up to the rematch of the final in Berlin will be more about Dumdum’s mouth than anything on the pitch. Or maybe he’ll come up with another dossier of all the evils perpetrated by the Azzurri over the past 60 years. Either way, this is bad for the Azzurri because nobody wants to listen to any more French whining. Bad for UEFA and the fans because the focus will be on the sidelines, rather than the pitch. But especially bad for France, because they’ll be relegated to finishing second (at best) to the Azzurri once again.

Didn’t take Domenech long to get started with his bitching, either. Directly after the draw:

I am not happy, nothing I wanted has worked out. In fact, I don’t think we’re the happiest four coaches here after the draw and the way it worked out. We would love to have avoided the three other teams but now we’ve got it we’ll have to deal with it. I would have also preferred to have played in Austria and not Switzerland.

Maybe he’s unhappy because he’ll finally be exposed as a know-nothing coach who was carried by Zidane & Friends during the WC 18 months ago.

The other two teams, Romania, the surprise of qualifying, and the Netherlands, the draw’s top seed (don’t ask how), make this that much more difficult in the midst of what will become a complete circus. So, the schedule:

Group C

09.06 Netherlands v Italia Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne, Switzerland
13.06 Italia v Romania Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland
17.06 France v Italia Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne, Switzerland

Opponents

Netherlands: Many people questioned their first seed, and justifiably so, but they still have a lot of talent on the squad. Certainly a tough task on neutral soil, but a game the Azzurri should win, unless they’re hit by a tornado of devastating injuries.

Romania: They may have been good in qualifying, but I’m not sold that Adrian Mutu can vault them to the promised land. The weakest of the group, another should win. (Plus, that Chivu guy tends to crumble on the biggest of stages. Might as well pencil him into the Azzurri lineup.)

France: Bitches.

Dare I say, I actually like the difficulty of this draw, and wouldn’t have complained had Germany been inserted rather than the Frenchies. It’s a stiff test and sometimes the Azzurri need someone, other than Roberto Donadoni, to push them to play at their utmost level. For now, I like it. There is still a lot of time between now and Swissaustria, however, and much can change. Until then, pray Donadoni spends the next 6 months working and studying his arse off, getting off the plane in Brene as a completely different coach. And that Raymond Domenech somehow goes mute.

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Laurie

I don’t think Raymond does the broomstick thing himself. I think Estelle helps.

(Did I just say that, too? What’s up with me today?)
derossi1610

France open their campaign against Romania, and Houllier added: “It is an extremely difficult draw. I think Italy will be eliminated because the Netherlands will be better.”

This guy been living in a cave?? (Or up Domenech’s ass maybe?)

I look at the groups, this is by far the toughest. Either we’ll crash out and not make it past groups, or we’ll win the whole thing. Really depends on what happens in that first game v. Netherlands. That will set the tone of this team.
Luke

Maybe saying that a game is a ’should win’ is not the way to go when talking about a team as strong as The Netherlands. Their qualifying wasn’t amazing, but Italys was virtually the same in terms of Wins Losses and Draws and in terms of playing quality, Italy was on par with Holland. They both underperformed and both teams were abit lack-lustre. I think that it is by no means a ’should win’ game. I wouldn’t be surprised AT ALL if we lost… but hopefully we don’t
Fred

I am happy about this draw. Italy cannot possibly underestimate any of these teams and that’s a good thing. It will be gritty but there is definitely no shame in not making it out of the first round in a group such as this. My prediction is one team from this group is going to take the title.
http://italy.worldcupblog.com RomaChris

I don’t know. The Netherlands finished second to Romania, while the Azzurri topped a group featuring two other WC quarterfinalists. Quality of play is relative to the level of the opponent. Plus, the Azzurri are more talented in most aspects. That’s a should win 8 days a week. Not that they can’t lose. Under Donadoni anything is possible.
kasets

The more I reflect the on the draw the better I think it is for Italy. Italians are notorious for their slow starts to competitions gradually getting better and better. This time they will enter the tournament fully focused and ready.

I also like what I am hearing from the Don. It’s been a long time since we heard our NT manager say what we are all thinking……..”WE FEAR NO ONE – We are the World Champions” Bravo Donadoni! Trappatoni would drive me nuts with his comments prior to the game on how San Marino (for example) must be respected and is a cagy opponent…nonsense. It’s not a matter of disrespecting your opponents but having complete confidence in your squad on the field not to mention what Italy can bring in off the bench.

As for Domenech I generally believe the less said the better. He is a narcissistic Moron.
Tim

Italy have the strength to go past the group stages easily. I just hope we kick France. But first we need to get a good start by winning against NED. Just hope we get no injury worries. We can make it, definitely.
Tim

We need to have this as the starting line up:
Buffon
Oddo
Cannavaro
Matterazzi
Zambrotta
Gattuso
Pirlo
Camaronesi
Perrotta
Gilardino or Quagliarella
Toni

This is the strongest we have I think. And yes, I still have faith in Gilardino.
Bench strength is also important. We need to have De Rossi, Del Piero, Iaquinta, Barzagli,Grosso,Antonio Di Natale on the bench.
http://switzerland.worldcupblog.org Jan

Yeah of course Chris, Italians are angels and the French are the evil sadistic provokers. Don’t know if you live in Italy like I do but it’s pretty much also the Italians fault if things between the two countries ended up like this.
I personally support France despite living in Italy but I very much dislike the attitude of both countries. Donadoni’s commentary was admirable but that of the Italian journalists and newspapers (see Gazzetta) are pitiable.

I have a feeling that most fans from both countries are just losers and can’t be objective (like your article which is totally offensive) and deserve being kicked out with a couple 3-0 from my dear Netherlands.

I want to remind you (as a fellow blogger) that people from all over the world read these blog entries and someone might be quite unhappy about this last one of yours.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/the-blog-goes-on/the-blog-goes-on-120407.html The Blog Goes On 12.04.07 – World Cup Blog

[...] So sick of playing the French (Italy Blog) [...]
kasets

Jan,

There has been some harsh and regrettable comments made from both sides. I think you have just contributed to this by stating “I have a feeling that most fans from both countries are just losers and can’t be objective”….not very helpful nor insightful to football dialogue.

You also point out that people from all over the world are reading the blog and insinuate that RomaChris should temper his comments and opinions so as not to offend anyone. If you worry about offending someone you would never write anything on any topic. If every blogger / writer where to do that it would make for rather bland postings.

Sports invokes passion and rivalry which is one of the beautiful things about football. So on that note let me just say your dear Netherlands and France can battle it out for second, third or fourth because The FOUR Time WORLD CHAMPIONS will top the group and Win Euro 08.

Forza
Luca Toni

All Italy needs to beat France in real game time is Luca Toni and Matterazzi.There the really 2 players that could change that with France since Italy cant beat France since 1978.So Matterazzi and Luca Toni may have the chance to stop leting France holding the record.
http://italy.worldcupblog.org RomaChris

Jan, as someone who holds a position at the network, as well as a fellow blogger, let me remind you that these blogs are supposed to be fun as subjective outlets from the perspective of a fan, not run-of-the-mill reporting. We go to the mass media for that.

It is beyond me how you are offended by anything in this post, unless you take exception to the Netherlands game being a “should win” – which it is.

A sense of humor would do you well.
Yo

Yo Jan,

The Frenchy Coach and players are MORONS !

And that’s a Fact !
http://switzerland.worldcupblog.org Jan

Whatever,
I don’t find it professional on your part and I would never dare call a fellow European country morons, bitches etc.

I’m not in the position to prevent you from doing so but I’m in the position to criticize it and lament the harsh subjective words you wrote. The France blog isn’t against Italy in the way you are against France.

And yes, I feel a bit insulted, because I lived in a French-speaking country and France is my third team after Switzerland and The Netherlands. If you have a rivalry, no problem with that, but calling them names and claiming that “The French Losers” are behind all of this hatred (I’m also on other blogs and trust me, many Italian users have been banned for their heavy racist insults against France) then I cannot accept that because it’s not true.

Everytime Domenech says something the Italian media presents it in a distorted way which sounds as if he’s always against Italy. Personally, I don’t like him and most French don’t either, but his words have become fuel for hatred just because the media want it that way and the gullible people take it in.

I don’t like the Italian team despite living in Italy and I think that their arrogance has grown after the World Cup so don’t come and tell me they are the victims, the innocent people of the situation.

Best regards and, despite this article, keep up the good work
Jan
http://www.fff.fr JPhili

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!
Keep up all this nonsense, its really amusing.
Les Bleus have not lost to Italy in 90mins or 120mins in decades. They have the advantage going into this group. Do not underestimate Domenech, or the neverending pool of talented players France offers.
I sincerely respect all teams in this pool but the nonsense published on this discustingly-pro-italian blog makes me sick to my stomach.
But I won’t lie, after reading this junk, indicates to me that France is probably despised because they are the biggest threats to the so-called “world champions” who could not go past a month and a half after winning the title without getting smacked by France 3-1… pfff. Please.
Try and be fair next time.

To Romachris – I hope you don’t choke on Domenech’s saucisson when L’Equipe de France gives you a repeat of september 2006 (Paris).
http://www.fff.fr JPhili

A recent history of French success ->

http://www.fff.fr/cgi-bin/historique/hist_recherche.pl?pays=ITALIE&annee=&radiobutton=all&submit=Lancer+la+recherche
kasets

Ah…the argument of losers never ceases to amaze me.

It’s not easy to beat a team like france when the DONT QUALIFY for world cups ….1990 and 1994. Common occurrences for france however unimaginable for Italians

Congratulations beating Italy 3-1 after they just won the WORLD CUP. I know that was BIG game for you….lol

Yah and Donadoni Buffon Cannavaro Pirlo Gattusso Toni et al are terrified of france….lol

allez les blows
http://italy.worldcupblog.com RomaChris

Feel free to criticize away.

Ive conversed with Laurie and she considered it a non-issue. Probably the best idea.
Gio

So JPhili the record for the last 35 games according to the site after regular time, stands at:

Italy 17 W’s
France 08 W’s
Draws 10

Italy is still overall on top… hmmm…
kasets

SUPER PIPPO….congratulations, after scoring against Celtic is now the most prolific goal sorcerer in Champions league history
kasets

Actually he is more of a goal scorer than a sorcerer.
Nick

Chris, keep-up the good work, I love your blog.
Nick

Does anybody else think that Cassano has a shot at getting back in with the National team, if he chooses to clean up his act? He could definitely attempt to fill that creative hole position that Totti made vacant.
kasets

Nick…….I hope he doesn’t get the call up. He is a great talent, no question. He was suppose to be the heir to Totti but it hasn’t worked out that way. The only thing stoppping Cassano from being a great player is himself.

Unfortunately his famous outburts and seeming inability to get along with teamates and coaches would be a curse to the azzurri.

It’s just not worth it, we have enough talent to get along without him.
john (aka 463)

That picture is priceless…Domenech looks like he’s going to pass out…and the Don looks as cool as ever.
john (aka 463)

Milan v Baby Argentina this weekend. The DERBY……FORZA Milan stomp on Inter and let them know Lombardia is only for AC MILAN.
terry/italian american

what’s bad is that we have not beaten france in 30 years aside the penalties stage, i researched it the last time we beat france was 2-1 @ the 1978 world cup in argentina (other the 06 penalty shoot out) and we that is lottery, so i am pissed that we have to play them again
alex

Yes, Italy has hit a snag with France but they are coached by a buffoon. Look, this stuff happens in sports. France plays well against Italy and Brazil but I still look for Italy to through.
pipes

Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni weighed in with four goals to gift-wrap Bayern Munich’s place in the UEFA Cup’s first knock-out stage in the 6-0 rout of Greek side Aris on Wednesday night.

bravo toni
alex

Amauri will end up on this team.

I don’t see the need to attack the “Frenchies.” There is one fool in France and his name is Domenech. Screw him. Many French fans are embarrassed by him and his buffoonery is only made worse by the class shown by Donadoni. Let the FFF deal with that idiot.

France has given Serie A many classy players to name a few: Platini, Deschamps, Blanc and of course Trezeguet who unfortunately is ignored by the astrologer pigking Raymond. Hm, wonder why.
sergica

world champions city….
http://sergica.miniville.fr/
guiseppe le peuw

I would love to see a decent game of football played at the European championship between Italy and France, the only snag is;
Mr. Dumassneck must spend all of his time in the builup to the game criticising Italian football and making abstract statements about Italians generally,[ has he lost a girlfriend to an Italian?] that he forgets to tell his team to play attractive free flowing football rather than the defensive derge that has characterised the previous encounters over the last 2 years.
or is it because he knows if his team were to attack and play a more fluid game then they would loose, and then poor little Mr.Dumassneck would never be able to live with himself. I think his messege is contagious as Diarrrear [the right back who never gets a game for his club side, joined in before the game at the San Siro,] remedy; 2 large doses of reality, 1 large dose of humility followed by bed rest 1 week before any game to be played between the 2 countries.
rinaldo

I like making predictions. So..

Draw against the Netherlands
Win against Romania
Win against France

…and we’re through.

I’ll be really surprised if we beat the Netherlands. Remember we almost always screw up our group stage games. I just don’t want to screw up against France (so yeah…my predictions are based on wishful thinking too)
http://Canada Giovanni

I dont think that it is fair to bash a nation whether its right or wrong. What ever happened to the love of the game ? There is too much politics in this sport to the point where I can’t even cheer for the italian team without someone making a smart ass comment. The italians were successful in the 2006 world cup..LEAVE IT AT THAT ! Let the game continue and enjoy it for what it was originally intended for.
Gio