World Cup Update : French on strike after striker dismissed.
In its statement, the FFF—governing board of French soccer—expressed its feelings far more politely than Nicolas Anelka, super-star French striker, expressed his at halftime of the side’s contest with Mexico. The French Football Federation announced, “Words spoken by Nicolas Anelka to the national coach, Raymond Domenech, are completely unacceptable to the FFF, French football, and the values they defend.” Anelka was already bound for home when the FFF went on to report, “[I]t was decided in full agreement with the coach and members of the delegation to exclude Nicolas Anelka from the squad.”
Although no credible source has reported the substance of Anelka’s insults to coach Domenech, a wide variety of witnesses have reported the two had “an extremely heated” and not-so-private exchange at the Mexico game’s midpoint. In the wake of the exchange, FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes demanded a public apology from Anelka. Anelka, in his turn, refused to honour the request, and the FFF sent him packing. France, slightly favoured in the game but clearly not at their best, lost to Mexico, 2-0
According to insiders, the majority of French players felt Anelka’s dismissal was in the best interests of the squad, and a few complained privately that Anelka had “stumbled over his ego.” A handful, however, announced that they would boycott practice as a show of solidarity with their banished forward. The coach and FFF officials were working aggressively on Sunday to reconcile ongoing conflicts among players and their coach, hoping the team can advance to the next round on the strength of a draw between Uruguay and Mexico on Tuesday.
Controversial call knots US and Slovenia.
After Friday’s contest with Slovenia, one might say the Americans were fit to be tied. Down 2-0 at halftime, the Americans scored twice in the second half, mounting a remarkable come-back. Late in the game, the Americans apparently scored again, but referee Koman Coulibaly inexplicably disallowed the goal. Replay analysis reveals that the American players were not off-sides, and none committed a foul. When American players surrounded the referee and insisted on an explanation Coulibaly did not respond; nor has he explained the call since. Early Sunday, well-informed sources reported that Coulibay might not be included on the schedule of referees for the next round of play, but FIFA had no official comment.
