While it seems that both England and France are about to exit the World Cup of Soccer, we all know that on occasion, both teams and individuals can rise up and deliver an inspiring performance, when it appeared to outsiders, usually fans and media, that all was lost, and there was no chance of success. The truth however, is that professional athletes,both in team and individual sports, do not follow our expectations, and they don’t react to adverse situations the way the rest of the population does. So it is not so unusual when athletes perform much better than we thought they could. In spite of their shabby showing so far,it is entirely possible,that either England or France, or both, could shock the world, and win their next games, and perhaps perform well beyond that one game, and redeem themselves somewhat, or entirely. That is one of the unique aspects of sports. You can go from hero to bum and vice versa just as quickly. The fans will quite quickly get over ineptitude or bad attitude, with a good effort, and preferably a positive outcome.
In this blog space, I’ve quoted Zinedine Zidane a few times. As an all time great player, there is a valuable perspective that can be gained by paying attention to his point of view. Specifically as it pertains to France, “Zizou” says: “This team has the possibility to get over this obstacle with this match. Everything can change for them” he told the associated press. He added that France remains in contention for the title. “I hope they can still get out of this group. There is hope even if everything that has been to now is the opposite.” Some might say he is sounding overly optimistic, but Zidane does not hesitate to speak his mind truthfully either. The next game for Les Blues, is against South Africa, who are also desperate to conclude their tournament on a positive note,after somewhat disappointing fans, on their home turf so far.
As to the future for France, Zidane still sees reason to be optimistic in a worst case scenario, should Les Blues exit the World Cup on a sour note. A new beginning could bring a bright future to the national men’s soccer program, according to the 1998 World Cup hero. “ If they lose there’s a new coach in Laurent Blanc who will change all of this…………I don’t think you can blame one player or another, but Laurent Blanc’s arrival will change everything that is happening within the team.” This is just another not so subtle suggestion from Zidane, as to where he feels the turmoil for France has its genesis. It all points in only one direction,and that is specifically towards current head coach Raymond Domenech. Zidane was the captain for France at the World Cup in 2006, I guess he would know.