Les Bleus

The French national football (futbol soccer, pas futbol football) is called Les bleus, because they wear blue. Honest, these last few weeks it may be more likely that they're called the blues because every fan is depressed when they play... Tonights game was no different, a moderately exciting (I use the term loosely) 1-1 draw with Serbia. I was happy to recognize some players on both sides, including Chelsea players in both starting lineups (Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic, guess who plays for which national team, and I promise it's not a trick question) and another Chelsea player on France's bench in Florent Malouda. I will give the French credit, a harsh red card (ejection) for their goal keeper after 13 minutes led to the Serbian goal, but they did well to respond after the half hour mark to tie the game. The real thing I wanted to discuss was the commentators.

They were the most energetic and excitable people I've ever heard as match commentators. The English are a little blasé, the Americans don't know enough, and I haven't listened to much in the way of Spanish commentary, but I was blown away at their excitent with every good movement and their dejection when things went awry. So I couldn't really gather all they were saying, not a real hinderance. Inflection and tone along with the occasional crushed "oh la la" when a cross was made and there was no one to receive it translate quite well regardless the language. They are certainly passionate. The team however...

At this rate they'll need a bit more organization as a team, they looked placid at times, unaware of where the next pass should go. They have magnificant players in the likes of Anelka, Henry, Ribery, Malouda, Lass, Gorcouff, Evra, and others, yet they don't seem to gel. As has been a common topic in the French sports pages for the last year, the coach is a questionable choice. He certainly won't last after these last two draws against weaker opponents (Sunday they drew agains Romania, same scoreline).

I wonder how England did. I know that if they were to win they'd qualify for the World Cup so I hope they did. We found another Irish bar that is closer than the first and more genial. Might have to see if they've got any English games this weekend... I'd hate to miss the Chelsea game if it's on tv...
[edit] Checked the newspaper this morning, England has qualified for the World Cup after a convincing 5-1 victory over Croatia. Lampard had 2. There are now three qualified teams from Europe: The Netherlands, England, and Spain.