World Cup flops look to hit back
Paris, Aug. 10: France and England had World Cup campaigns to forget and on Wednesday both set out on what they hope is the first step in restoring their battered images in friendlies against Norway and Hungary respectively.
Another European giant, Italy, are also in action, facing Ivory Coast on Tuesday in what is new coach Cesare Prandelli’s first match in charge following their humiliating title defence in South Africa, bowing out bottom of their group.
The two finalists are also in action with world champions Spain travelling to the United States to play Mexico while the Dutch will also be hoping to salvage their reputation after the over-physical strategy they deployed against the Spanish in a dour World Cup final.
However, the Dutch have just one squad member from the World Cup travelling to meet Ukraine.
Argentina, still managerless after Diego Maradona was forced out, meanwhile take on Ireland in Dublin.
It is France, however, who have the most to make up after a catastrophic and farcical appearance in South Africa which saw Nicolas Anelka sent home for a foul mouthed outburst at coach Raymond Domenech. Domenech’s successor Laurent Blanc has the chance to erase memories of that hapless campaign. “What happened in South Africa cannot be rubbed out,” said Blanc. “It is a scar. But if we’re going to sanction players, take disciplinary action against them, then I think you have to be very careful.”
England at least scrambled out of their group only to be humiliated 4-1 by Germany and were not without dressing room discord but former captain John Terry’s declaration that he would be leading a mutiny against coach Fabio Capello ended in ridicule for the Chelsea defender as he was left marooned by his so-called ‘angry’ teammates.
“I would have understood if the FA decided to sack me. This is not a good period for me but I am looking forward. It is our job. When you win you are the best and when you lose, nothing,” Capello said.
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