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How the mighty have fallen: it may feel like ancient history now, but France was just one overtime goal away from winning the last World Cup in 2006.  After Thursday, this incredibly talented squad is on the brink of elimination.

Perhaps even more surprising than the completely abysmal performance by the team against Mexico, was the fact that Thierry Henry did not play a single second.

Henry, twice a runner up for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, played just 18 minutes in France’s first match against Uruguay, and none at all in their second against Mexico.

At the age of only 32, it’s hard to believe that he’s lost his touch so quickly.

Coach Raymond Domenech – The Rift

France’s national team has been managed by Raymond Domenech since 2006, and his tenure has been tumultuous, to say the least.

One of his many quirks is his love for astrology.  Problem is, it’s more than just a quirk: his belief in the stars is so strong that he left three players – Ludovic Giuly, Johan Micoud and Robert Pires – off the team because they are Scorpio’s, a sign whose traits he dislikes.

Asked to comment on this seemingly ridiculous rationale, Domenech said, “All parameters have to be considered and I have added one by saying there is astrology involved.”

His selection of the team is not the only dubious move he’s made: he has also been criticized for the way he treats players and his controversial tactics.

Henry Calls Out His Coach:

During the qualification period leading up to the World Cup, an article released by le Parisien in September 2009 stated that Henry snapped at his coach in front of the entire team following a 1-1 draw against Romania.  Here’s what he said:

“Coach, we have something to tell you. I am speaking in the name of the squad. We are getting bored during your training sessions. In 12 years with the French team, I have never been in such a situation.”

Sometimes a leader has to step up and take action. Henry certainly did so, letting Domenech know that the team had a problem with him.  He added:

“We do not know how to play, where to be on the pitch, how to organise. We do not know what to do. We have no style, no guidelines. It is not working.”

Although it may have seemed like a rallying cry at the time, it appears to have backfired.  Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut, since he is now stapled to the bench, and the French look more out of place than North Korea on the pitch.

Henry Refutes the Story – Months Later:

On Monday June 7^th, just prior to the start of the World Cup Finals, Henry denied the claims of that original article, saying: “There was a discussion between the squad and the coach as is usual. It was a constructive discussion… which must stay between the players and the coach.”

Nine months after the fact, and that’s all?  Well, Thierry, since you offered no answers, we are going to have a “constructive discussion” about why your team has failed.

Raymond Domenech is a strange man, unfit to be running a team. He should probably stick to horoscopes and leave football to someone with a clearer judgement.

On a positive note, the 2010 World Cup is Domenech’s last stint as head coach of the French team – a fact that has been long publicized by the French Football Federation.  Judging by their uninspired play, it’s apparent that the players want his reign to end as quickly as possible.

- to see a review of Maradona’s coaching tactics, click here

- to see a preview of who will win the World Cup click here

- For England’s reaction to their draw against the U.S., click here