HOLLAND 4 FRANCE 1

There is still more than a slight probability that France will join Holland in the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, a situation possible only if Romania fail to beat the Dutch, and France beat Italy; and while these are slim pickings indeed, considering Holland will top Group C no matter the result against Romania, and the Oranje may fancy sending both World Cup Finalists out of the first round, let us hope Van Basten and Co. will instead choose to keep the winds blowing in Dutch sails and therefore make France - Italy a winner takes-all affair.

Reverting back to the game played out last evening at the Stade de Suisse, it was easily one of the most dismal French performances I have ever seen. It was abominable not only in the sense that the players underperformed and gave a terrible account of themselves. It was also a case of grave injustice, on part of referee Robert Fandel, and of Raymond Domenech, who quite simply got everything wrong. Even if France do succeed in advancing to the next stage of the tournament, the repercussions of this match will be felt far beyond Summer '08. It can be argued the Dutch have ridden their luck so far numerous times against Italy and France, but a 4-1 rout, no matter how unfortunate or unlucky for France, indicates a nice long look at the mirror. What was it that went so wrong? And how can the problems be fixed?

The first culprits are of course the players themselves. Gregory Coupet was downright abysmal. In defense, the experienced, reliable center-back pairing of Thuram & Gallas showed astonishing immaturity by allowing Holland to score their third just 45 seconds after Henry had breathed new life into France at the other end. Things like that are just not supposed to happen at such a high level. Sagnol's crossing was woeful, and it's rather pathetic Domenech was unwilling to play Clerc, who would have represented a more youthful and energetic option. And although Makelele and Toulalan gave industrious performances in midfield, they are ultimately no play-makers. Henry managed to find the back of the net, but by then he should have had at least a hat-trick. What a stupid lob that was. The King of Highbury is clearly a thing of the past.

Henry brings us to Mr. Fandel's decision not to award France a clear-cut penalty. It's not the first time these crucial moments have come to define the outcome of the game (Switzerland vs. Czech Republic, Poland vs. Austria, and Italy vs. Romania, quickly come to mind), moments which completely hinge on the referee's call. A penalty to France would have reinvigorated Les Bleus and brought the match level, but Fandel waved away the appeals, and Ooijer rode his luck. It should be about time that referees become more alert to such situations, especially given the high stakes involved. How he (Fandel) could have missed Ooijer flinging his arms at the ball is beyond me. Whether it be a soft last-minute penalty (Poland-Austria), an incorrectly chalked-off goal (Italy-Romania), or a blatant handball, the officials at the Euro must step it up.

Lastly, yet most importantly, is the question regarding Coach Ray. Domenech had promised changes to be made, and while Evra & Henry's inclusions were sensible, what Govou was doing in the starting-11 in the place of Benzema is baffling. Govou is a good player, but not much more than that. Benzema, although relatively less experienced, is a more talented and imposing player who has the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and turn it on its head. That neither he nor Nasri even managed a minute against Holland is again proof to Coach Ray's tactical shortcomings. In the 2nd half, Malouda played a spectacular pass to Henry. His reward? Getting subbed-out for the inexperienced Gomis, who, without any clear idea of international football, proceeded to make lead-footed touches and pretty much mess-up whenever he found the ball at his feet. Anelka was the third striker who Domenech sent into the fray, and he is arguably a worse option than Benzema. Nico is the type who loves plowing a lone furrow up front all by himself - he suffers with the help of a strike partner, especially one as incapable as Gomis. The lack of cohesion in attack in the last 20 minutes also makes a case for Lassana Diarra's inclusion in the starting-11. Although dubbed the new "Maka," he is a much more offensive-minded player and can act as a sort of playmaker in Vieira's absence. What the Maka - Toulalan partnership was doing in there (so unsuccessful vs. Romania), is a question that may only be answered by Domenech. Judging from his foolish tactical mistakes and awful man-management, Coach Ray will have many questions to answer should France crash-out prematurely.

Regardless of what happens in the Holland - Romania match, France MUST defeat Italy. For these two wounded giants, it is no longer simply a matter of advancing to the next sage, but a subject of pride. And if Romania fail to take 3 points against Holland, we may very well have a mini-Final in store for us. May the best team win, and good luck.

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!!