Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Frenzied France staring exit in the face
It is safe to say that France are in complete disarray. Following their drab 0-0 draw with Uruguay and 2-0 reverse against Mexico, Les Bleus stand on the precipice of a second group stage exit in the last three World Cups. The surprise run to the final in 2006 seems just a distant memory and this time around, Domenech's side do not possess the Zinedine Zidane get-out-of-jail card.
Poor performances on the pitch have been commonplace in the four years since that fateful night in Berlin and in South Africa, there has been no sparkle. Whispers about players being unhappy with much-maligned coach Raymond Domenech have been bubbling under the surface for a while, but they have erupted into the public arena in the past few days.
Nicolas Anelka's alleged foul-mouthed rant at Domenech at half-time in the Mexico game was widely reported and certainly pointed to the sort of unrest that the French Football Federation (FFF) felt was unacceptable. Anelka was sent home but the problem was not solved. The players revolted - refusing to train on Sunday. Perhaps the strangest development in the whole debacle was that Domenech - the victim of Anelka's tirade - was the one to read the statement revealing the players' unhappiness. If the incident provokes the players and coach to be aligned in opposition to the FFF, it could amazingly bring the team closer together.
For South Africa, the end of the road seems near. The Bafana Bafana fans have provided a colourful, passionate presence and will do everything to lift their team going into the final game. But after the opening draw against Mexico, the hosts' world ranking of 83 was exposed fully by Uruguay in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat. Salt was rubbed into South African wounds as goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was sent-off, with back-up stopper Moeneeb Josephs in line to replace him against France.
It would seem that Carlos Alberto Parreira's side need a miracle, and what they (as well as France) will also be hoping for is a winner in the Mexico v Uruguay game. The miracle could have come in the form of Les Bleus' tumultuous preparation, but changes need to be made to take full advantage, starting with the 4-5-1 formation that has left star striker Katlego Mphela marginalised in the opening two matches.
France player to watch: Thierry Henry. Les Bleus' all-time leading scorer has become a peripheral figure in South Africa; the once mighty captain fantastic seems to have lost his va-va-voom to such an extent that he was an unused substitute against Mexico. But Anelka's departure opens the door for a return to the starting line-up that will likely be encouraged by his team-mates. One of the most talented players of his generation, Henry still possesses the talent to unlock any defence and could yet provide the inspiration to pull France back from the brink.
South Africa player to watch: Reneilwe Letsholonyane. The 'Divine Ponytail' he may not be, but Letsholonyane's locks have been seen bounding up and down the pitch in Bafana Bafana's first two games. Full of energy, he has been a driving force in South Africa's midfield; his ability to close-down opponents when they have the ball and burst forward at pace when his own team are in possession have made him an integral player for Parreira's side.
Key Battle: Abou Diaby v Steven Pienaar. Diaby will have to shoulder the responsibility of being France's midfield ball-winner because of Jeremy Toulalan's suspension, providing a box-to-box presence and some strength in the middle of the park. He will have his hands full facing up to the energy of Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala, as well as the guile of Steven Pienaar, who produced one of his most memorable performances at club level against Diaby's Arsenal last season. Pienaar has not lived up to his billing as South Africa's key man thus far but he relishes the big occasion and will hope to prove himself and provide a spark against the French.
Trivia: Uruguay's 3-0 win over South Africa last Wednesday represented the largest margin of victory against a host nation in the group stage in World Cup history.
Stats: Only three hosts have failed to finish among the top eight teams at a World Cup: Spain in 1982 (12th), the United States in 1994 (14th), and Japan in 2002 (9th).
Odds: South Africa (3.25), North Korea (2.30), the draw (3.30) are all on offer at Bet365, while Thierry Henry to score the last goal might be worth a flutter at 7.50.
Prediction: Anelka's removal from the squad and the subsequent player revolt may just spark the sort of siege mentality needed to inspire a struggling France side to victory. South Africa will be no walkovers but their fans will leave Free State Stadium feeling disappointed at Bafana's exit.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Venue: Free State Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Domenech backs Anelka expulsion
France coach Raymond Domenech insists the decision to send Nicolas Anelka home was the correct one.
The players returned to training on Monday after they boycotted Sunday's session in protest.
They were outraged at the Chelsea striker being banished by the French Football Federation after his row with Domenech became public knowledge.
Speaking ahead of the crucial Group A match against South Africa, Domenech said: "The sanction is justified and I support the federation.
"Nobody should behave in such a way. High level sportsmen have to lead by example."
Explaining why he had read out a statement on behalf of the players after they refused to train, Domenech said: "It was an aberration. We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.
"What I should have said at the end of the message was that I did not support this action.
"With the (FFF) president (Jean-Pierre Escalettes) and staff members we tried to convince them it was stupid. I disagreed with the document. What they were doing was unthinkable.
"We've wasted a lot of energy. There are no words to explain what has happened. I'm hoping we will now have action on the pitch rather than off it."
France are in danger of making an early exit after taking one point from two games.
Domenech insists he will continue to run things his way even though it could be his last match in charge with Laurent Blanc set to take over.
He said: "I am responsible for the team and the game. I have always been in charge of the make-up of the team. That is not in dispute.
"Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match. It is up to the players to realise the magnitude of what they have done.
"They have to play their hearts out to show what they can do and I think they will be extremely motivated to win the game. People want performances not excuses. They have to show they love football and the French team."
Asked if some players might not want to play, Domenech avoided the question and said: "I will pick the players who are mentally and physically in the best shape to win the game."
South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena insists there is no dissent in the ranks ahead of the crucial match.
There have been reports of favouritism in Carlos Alberto Parreira's squad as they prepare to face a team in apparent chaos.
But Portsmouth defender Mokoena said: "Some people are so disappointed there have not been any problems in the group.
"The atmosphere is the camp is incredible. I am certainly not aware of any rifts."
Bafana Bafana coach Parreira added: "We've never had any problems during the whole preparation."
Mokoena's role as captain has been called into question by the African National Congress Youth League, who say he should be stripped of the armband.
The ANCYL are unhappy with his performances in both the Mexico match which ended in a draw and the defeat by Uruguay and want a change made.
Spokesman Floyd Shivambu said: "We believe that the captain of Bafana Bafana, Aaron Mokoena, sometimes makes costly mistakes, which the team and the country cannot afford in a do-or-die soccer encounter.
"The coach and tactical team should honestly assess the captain's readiness for the match against France."
Parreira will make five changes to the side that lost to Uruguay, two of them enforced as Kagisho Dikgacoi and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune are suspended.
Even a win for Bafana Bafana would not be enough if Mexico and Uruguay play out a draw.
Parreira is convinced the top two teams will play fair and said: "I'm sure the players will not make a deal and say let's draw this game.
"Maybe one of the two teams do not want to play Argentina and they will go for a win. So we will never know what's going on in their minds.
"The reality is that is it out of our hands but that will not affect our motivation for the game.
"The group is very tough. It would be a disappointment if we were to go out but I do not consider it as a failure.
"What I can promise the South African public is that we are going to give it our best shot. We have accept that this is the World Cup and whatever is thrown against you, you must adapt."
TAGS :
France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.France Vs South Africa Live Streaming online internet broadcast HD quality tv coverage fifa world cup Tuesday 22nd June 2010.
