Le Good, Le Bad et Le Ugly
Posted on 19. Nov, 2009 by GoRealer in Football, Sports
Last night the footballing world witnessed yet another controversial decision, in a season that has had countless examples serving as proof for the introduction of replay technology in football. The only difference with Thierry Henry’s handball is that not only has it ended the world cup dream for so many Irish players, but has ultimately cost the Irish economy-one of the few nations in a worst predicament than Britain- the vital economic boost that could have been experienced through the teams inclusion in next summers World cup.
But before we get into a French bashing campaign or a defence for Mr Henry from Uber-Loyal Gooners, it must be stated that the French have been on the receiving end of some controversial decisions themselves. And as for anyone who wishes to defend Monsieur Henry, I would just like to point out that this is not the first time the ex Arsenal forward has cheated the officials.
So I bring you…
Le Good, Le Bad and Le Ugly of French football
THE GOOD
EURO 2000 Final vs Italy
Euro 2004 Group game vs England
The French Resilience: As shown in the Euro 2000 final and Euro 2004 group tie with England, the French team of recent years have shown great resilience in coming back from behind to provide classic games in major tournaments.
THE BAD
Cheats: It is also unfortunate that the French national teams has been linked with allegations of cheatinin recent year, and it may come as a surprise to some but Thierry Henry has been a serial offender over the last 3-4 years.
Exhibit A: World Cup 2006 R16 vs Spain
Exhibit B: World Cup 2006 QF vs Portugal
Exhibit C: World Cup 2010 Play off vs ROI
THE UGLY
The French national team have also been involved in some ugly encounters in yesteryears, with the Zinedine Zidane’s headbutting incident still fresh in our memory. Yet some of us are too young to have seen the German keeper Harald Schumacher’s assault on Patrick Battiston in the 1982 World Cup, which the French would argue to this day cost them World Cup glory.
Schumacher World Cup 1982
Zinedine Attacks: World Cup 2006
