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Sorry about that. To lift the gloom, let's enjoy France
against Paraguay in the first of today's second round
matches. Actually, there is little to enjoy until the game
goes into extra time. France lack forward thrust if not
penetration and Paraguay defend capably, with the mighty
Chilavert in goal. Djorkaeff disppoints, and the two young
forwards look woefully short of world class status today.
They need Zidane back, and back at his best, although Petit
does a fine job before being substituted. Do we want France
to go through? I find it hard to develop any strong feelings
on the issue. On one hand, we want them to go on and beat
Italy. On the other hand, we are on the side of the
underdog. On yet another hand, this particular underdog
hasn't a hope in hell of beating Italy and they aren't a
very attractive beast, relying on dogged defence rather than
attacking bite. Is it really good for the competition that
the home nation progress as far as possible? Don't we resent
Aime Jacquet for ignoring Eric Cantona in his prime (and to
a lesser extent Daveeed Ginola)? Yes we do.
I was hoping for a penalty shoot-out actually, but France
finally managed to steer the ball into the net with six
minutes of extra time remaining. Paraguay were distraught,
but Chilavert lifted them up - physically - and becomes the
man of the tournament so far.
But, mon Dieu, the French were poor. Received opinion says
they need a world class striker to guarantee them a goal a
game. Before today, they got away with it, with Henry in
particular keeping things rolling along. But now, it won't
be so easy. Arsene Wenger still believes France can win as
they have the best midfield. Which, he adds, England don't
and therefore we don't stand a chance of winning it. Much as
I hate to agree with him here, you have to agree with him
here. Arsene knows.
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