French Fancies.

Even Mr Kipling wouldn't touch them now. Though I didn't see the game in its entirety France haven't given the impression of a united camp. They're reminiscent of the early 90's Dutch camp, or it's just the inevitable end to a group that includes Ego Henry, Ribery and coach Domenach. A totally disjointed group of individuals. If even half the stories coming out of the camp are true they were in trouble before the tournament kicked off. they were lamentable in the first game and from the looks of the second cohesion wasn't quick to come to the fore either. Malouda, who on Chelsea form, should have been a definite starter had to wait in the first game to make a substitute appearance. he looked promising in the Mexico game, but if ever you want to see a team of individuals playing only for themselves outside of Eastlands stadium then the French camp is the place to start. The sooner Laurent Blanc starts (as manager or player) the better. Evra is the man i feel sorry for, a true player, a man who loves football and dependable to the last. what did he ever do to deserve team mates like this???

Mexico on the other hand, they looked handy in game 1, should have put the game to bed in the first 30 minutes against the host nation but suffered from stage fright. Vela looks lightweight, Franco is a journeyman at best. Blanco is a man whose mind is willing but his body won't play ball, but the respect he commands from his team and the intelligence he brings to the team is second to none. Hernandez looks like a man on the up, - in Mexico I'm reliably informed he's known as chicharito, or little pea to his friends - but more importnatly they look like a team.

Maybe Henry shoud take note, as an elder statesman Blanco is nothing but invigorating, commanding and encouraging of his teammates. Henry is distant, dismissive and petulant, maybe he should go into politics?

Lastly seeing the French substitutes all behind the goal for the final 10 minutes as if taking their leave from the blame, a white flag wouldn't havebeen out the question...