“Today, for the first time in my life, I am not going to support the French team. I will wish even the defeat of the country team that has seen me born“, He says Hermel in the column you posted in this newspaper. “Why I don't recognize myself in those unworthy footballers of wearing the symbols of my beloved republic and because I feel immense shame for everything that these gentlemen have carried out. What happens within the selection is not an isolated event, but the reflection of French society. The wars and hatreds that diminish the team are very similar to the social, cultural and racial oppositions that France is experiencing todaywhere what we call the communitarianism begins to shake the cohesion of the country. “
“Was it a rebellion? No; a whim. Was it a strike? No; a cowardice”, wrote Fabrice Jouhaud, director of L'Equipe, which continues like this: “We must not be mistaken: the solidarity republic that the French players have taught the world is a lie. (…) With them, the union is a farce and his so-called protective bubble is a stink bomb that does not stop exploding. I hope those bad smells breathe well. But I'm not sure that is enough to drown your egos. On this topic, they have already won the world title“, sentenced harshly. The Minister of Health and Sports, Roselyne Bachelot, claimed” responsibility and dignity “to the members of the team.
The party did not have much history beyond adding another drop to the ridicule that France was signing in that month of June. Neither Evra nor Govou played, nor did Abidal, claiming to be “mentally touched.” After the game, even Domenech refused to accept Parreira's hand and rebuked him with gestures, something he did not want to explain later.
The newspaper Le Monde, on its website, commented that “with the elimination from France, the World Cup has lost its jesters. Les Bleus they leave with a deserved donkey hat, in a competition that has encouraged more outside than on the pitch. ” Le Parisien spoke for his part of “an unfortunate, ridiculous and shameful career. It's a real shipwreck. The players had no desire, no idea. “An analysis he shares L'Equipe: “Les Bleus They leave the World Cup on a new bad note. As in 2002, its balance is simply disastrous. Raymond Domenech He said before the game that the reputation of the France team was at stake. We let you bear the consequences. ” Le Parisien He also spoke of the French coach, putting him in “first line of failure”. The newspaper affirms that “between inconsistent choices, the inability to create a group and a communication that makes it one of the most unpopular men in the country, he will only keep the memory of the 2006 final and more for the credit of players like Zidane, Makélélé or Vieira “. Le Progres put on the cover: “The joke is over. This went on too long.”
And the mess continued to be discussed the following days. Roselyne Bachelot, the Minister of Sport declared in RTL: “I do not want the resignation of the president of the French Football Federation, Jean-Pierre Escalettes, but I see it as inevitable. “ The minister also charged against players that “they should not touch any remuneration of the five million sponsor bonuses.” Sarkozy demanded “responsibilities for the disaster of the national team in the World Cup” in a note after meeting with Prime Minister François Fillon and Bachelot.