Showing posts with label france soucer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label france soucer. Show all posts
1:50 AM - Posted by jennysay -
Eight hopefuls eyeing four spots

Source : Fifa.com

The qualification equation will be resolved once and for all in groups A and B on Tuesday when, to ensure fairness between the teams in contention, the two games in each section will kick off at the same time.

Uruguay and Mexico currently lead the way in Group A with four points apiece and a draw between them in Rustenburg would send both through to the last 16. Neither will enjoy the thought of facing Argentina in the next round, however, and that ought to motivate both to pursue a victory that would allow either South Africa or France to take advantage, despite the latter duo having collected a solitary point each so far. Whatever happens, the tournament is about to lose at least one major participant, with the host nation having never fallen at this stage in past editions and crisis-stricken France runners-up just four years ago.

In Group B, Argentina stand on the verge of the knockout phase, even if they could still conceivably be eliminated on goal difference if they lose to Greece and three teams finish on six points. Realistically, Diego Maradona’s men possess a healthy grip on top spot, while Korea Republic appear favourites to grab second place behind them. A draw in their meeting with Nigeria would see the Asian side through, depending on the outcome of Greece’s match against the leaders.

The matches
Group A (both matches at 16.00 local time)
France-South Africa, Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Mexico-Uruguay, Rustenburg

Group B (both matches at 20.30 local time)
Greece-Argentina, Polokwane
Nigeria-Korea Republic, Durban

The big games
Nigeria-Korea Republic

Semi-finalists at the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, Korea Republic control their own destiny despite having suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina last time out. They have since pored over their failings in that game and have singled out their defensive frailty, general clumsiness and the goal they conceded early on, all of which made it difficult for them to claw their way back. Almost constantly on the back foot, they nonetheless showed glimpses of the quality that brought them a 2-0 win over Greece, and against Nigeria they will be keen to prove that lessons have been learnt. As for their opponents, the Super Eagles have been beaten twice but can still reach the Round of 16. Lars Lagerback has opted not to criticise his young, inexperienced team to avoid demoralising them even further, and with so much youthful talent in their ranks anything is possible – even if they have gone seven games without victory on the global stage and suffered six defeats during that run.

Greece-Argentina
Greece have lifted a veil of doubt after finally recording their first ever victory at a FIFA World Cup final tournament, a 2-1 comeback triumph against Nigeria that avenged their 2-0 loss to the Super Eagles at USA 1994. They must now complete the more taxing task of reversing the outcome of their defeat by Argentina on 21 June that same year in Boston, when Gabriel Batistuta helped himself to a hat-trick and a certain Maradona, then captain of La Albiceleste, added the other goal in a 4-0 romp. At least the European hopefuls will not have to contain El Pibe de Oro this time around – he will be pacing the technical area instead.

What they said
"There are better teams out there than us, but we’re convinced we can beat anyone,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach.


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1:33 AM - Posted by jennysay -

France go into meltdown

Source : Fifa.com

France's FIFA World Cup™ campaign continues to be troublesome after the French Football Federation (FFF) announced there would be an official investigation following a player boycott yesterday.

Less than 24 hours after Nicolas Anelka was sent home for refusing to apologise for his verbal attack on coach Raymond Domenech the rest of the squad walked out of training in protest. The squad claimed they were united in support of the excluded Chelsea forward, complaining the 31-year-old had been treated unfairly by officials.

However, their actions did not impress the FFF, who have promised a investigation into what has become known as 'l'affaire Anelka' once the team's FIFA World Cup is over.

"The French delegation and its president Jean-Pierre Escalettes noted with dismay the refusal of the French players to participate in training," said a federation statement. This action is an unacceptable consequence of the eviction of Nicolas Anelka which they feel is unjust.

"Contrary to what the players said, this sanction was taken following a long conversation with the person in the presence of the captain (Patrice Evra). The FFF, speaking through its president, apologised to the country for the unacceptable conduct of the players that are representing our country. A federal council shall be convened immediately on the completion of the French team's campaign to draw all the conclusions of the crisis that has been created."

A federal council shall be convened immediately on the completion of the French team's campaign.
A statement from the France Football Federation.

The walk-out was prompted by events on Saturday when Anelka was dismissed from the squad after he refused to say sorry for his outburst at Domenech. Anelka reportedly exploded in a foul-mouthed tirade after the coach criticised him for straying out of position during the goalless first half of their 2-0 Group A defeat to Mexico on Thursday.

Details of the exchange were then leaked to the media, leading Evra to claim there was a "traitor" within the camp. The players, already under pressure as a draw between Uruguay and Mexico on Tuesday will confirm France's elimination from the tournament irrespective of their result against hosts South Africa, issued their own statement yesterday.

"If we regret the incident that occurred at half-time of the match between France and Mexico we regret even more that an event which belongs within our group was made public," they said.

"For its part, the French Football Federation has at no time tried to protect the group. They made a decision without consulting all the players, only on the basis of the 'facts' reported by the press. Accordingly, and to mark their opposition to the highest level of French football, all players decided not to participate in the work-out. For our part, we have not forgotten our duties. We will do everything individually and also in a collective spirit to bring honour to France with a positive performance on Tuesday night."

However, the matter is far from closed as Domenech is likely to be bombarded with questions about the occurrences of the last few days at a scheduled press conference in Bloemfontein later today ahead of the match against South Africa.nded


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