Winner: Andres Iniesta Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger Honourable Mention: Carlos Puyol
The winning goal in the World Cup final is every players dream, and Iniesta’s dream came true in extra time at the Soccer City Stadium. No doubt the added break Iniesta took during the season with Barcelona through injury, helped his performances at this year’s tournament, strolling through all the games since that defeat to Switzerland. Iniesta stats didn’t lie in this tournament, although he only scored 2 goals, both were vital in wins over Chile (2:1) and of course Holland (1:0). The 26 year old had a 73% pass completion rate, and covered over 41 miles during the tournament.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, an admiral runner-up, had an excellent tournament and has now established himself as a world class central midfielder, taking up the new role as “The Metronome” as the way the Bayern Munich midfielder dominated and dictated the play is a joy to behold. Just 25 years of age, two more World Cup’s are possible, and more medals are a serious possibility.
Carlos Puyol, he is vital for Spain, and has continued his brilliant Barcelona form onto the world stage and help his country only concede two goals at this year’s tournament. He scored the winner in the semi-final
Thomas Mueller, the 20 year old Bayern Munich attacker, has had a brilliant World Cup and has burst onto the World Stage. He took Europe by storm last season, helping Bayern reach the Champions League final. He played 6 games at this year’s tournament, scoring 5 goals, laying on 3 assists and being voted man of the match for his performances in the wins against England and Uruguay. Collect both the Golden Ball and Best Young Player award.
Mesut Ozil, another German youngster, had a brilliant tournament and again caused real interest in his and Germany’s performances. The 22 year old helped himself to 1 goal, 3 assists, with a 71% pass completion rate. Another youngster with a very bright future.
25 year old Asamoah Gyan held up the hopes of Arica, helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals in just their second tournament. He scored 3 goals in 5 games, and helped gain the respect of many pundits as a very good lone striker. The only blight on his performances was that penalty miss against Uruguay, but expect the lively Ghanaian to bounce back and be even stronger for the next tournament.
Biggest Shock
Winner: Switzerland 1-0 Spain Runner Up: Italy 2 – 3 Slovenia Honourable Mention: New Zealand finishing 3rd in their group
Goal of the Tournament
Winner: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst vs Uruguay Runner Up: Fabio Quagliarella vs Slovenia Honourable Mention: Mesut Ozil vs Ghana
Ghana, who beat Serbia and USA in this campaign, were deemed the moral victors of the World Cup after the controversial quarter final defeat to Uruguay. A team packed full of youngsters, mixed with older and more experienced individuals, who flew the flag for Africa after a poor showing from the other nations at the tournament.
Spain, the winners of their first ever trophy, playing the best football at the tournament, and deservedly collecting the World Cup title. The likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol and Casillas are talented natural born winners and deservedly leave South Africa with a winner’s medal.
Germany would have surely been on route to the final if they hadn’t met Spain in the semi final. Destroying pre tournament favourites England 4-1, in tournament favourites Argentina 4-0, were some of the highlights of the Germans campaign.
Real Madrid’s number one, had an average season this year, but is a completely different individual for Spain. The way the Spanish keep the ball means the opposition rarely get attempts on goal, however in the final, Arjen Robben broke through the defence twice and was one on one with the goalkeeper, with Casillas stopped the Dutchman twice. Winner of the FIFA golden gloves, and a well deserved accolade.
To be honest the goalkeepers at the tournament were quite average, and the Slovenian goalkeeper impressed with his displays in the group stages, and is one of the brightest prospects in Europe with Udinese, and could definitely play for a Champions League club.
Eduardo, formerly of Sporting Braga, impressed at this tournament, although no more than any other goalkeeper to be honest, and has since earned himself a move to Genoa in Serie A.
Defender of the Tournament
Winner: Philip Lahm Runner Up: Carlos Puyol Honourable Mention: John Mensah
Philip Lahm, who had a very good previous tournament, has had another excellent tournament this time round, and is undoubtedly the most complete full back in the World, excellent going forward but even better defensively. Germany’s undisputed national team captain.
Again the Barcelona defender has performed excellent at this World Cup, and is undoubtedly the best centre back in the World.
Ghana’s John Mensah receives an honourable mention, despite his awful penalty kick against Uruguay, the 27 year old defender, currently on loan at Sunderland, experience was vital to his countries performance in South Africa, and had some excellent performances against Germany, USA and Serbia.
Midfielder of the Tournament
Winner: Andres Iniesta Runner Up: Bastian Schweinsteiger Honourable Mention: Xavi
The reasoning for these awards were highlighted earlier, Spain’s sensational midfield duo of Iniesta and Xavi, tied with Barcelona team mate Sergio Basquets helped Spain dominate teams ultimately culminating in winning the trophy.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was the driving force behing the Germany teams ascendance back onto the World stage.
Striker of the Tournament
Winner: Miroslav Klose Runner Up: David Villa Honourable Mention: Diego Forlan
For me, Miroslav Klose was the best striker at this tournament, and is one of the best to play in the World Cup tournament itself. The 32 year old has had a terrible season for Bayern Munich only scoring 3 goals in all competitions, but he has a knack for performing on the world stage. He is the second highest goal scorer in World Cup finals history with 14 goals in 3 tournaments, one behind Ronaldo, and his caused was helped with 4 goals scored in 5 games at this tournament, including Australia, England and a brace against Argentina.
David Villa was vital to helping Spain win the World Cup, scoring 5 goals in 7 games. Slyly anonymous in the semi final and final, that’s why he missed out on the top spot, but he was brilliant nonetheless, causing people to accuse Fernando Torres of being a rubbish striker, rather than a player who has just come back from injury. Diego Forlan, FIFA’s recipient of the golden ball for the best player at the tournament, but is an admirable third place from Real Talk Football. Excellent goals, and an iron nerve, Forlan guided his country to fourth place at the World Cup.
Star of the Tournament
Winner: Wesley Sneijder Runner Up: Andres Iniesta Honourable Mention: Luis Suarez
Underperformers of the Tournament
Winner: England Runner Up: Italy Honourable Mention: France
England had another overhyped tournament, and once again underperformed in South Africa. No real excuses can be made for the poor showing, they had a good coach and a sufficient amount of depth within the squad but clearly some of the strange decisions made by Fabio Cappello undoubtedly aided in the second round defeat. Struggling to qualify from the group, as soon as they faced a really good opposition, they crumbled and left the tournament without a whimper and got an extra two week holiday on the luxury island of their choice.
Italy and France’s problems were well documented. Italy were defending World Champions but finished bottom of a group that included Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay, while the French, runners-up four years ago, had another awful tournament, also finishing bottom of their group while the big ego’s of players such as William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Thierry Henry and Nicholas Anelka led to in fighting and denial to train. The most unprofessional and shambolic performance I’ve ever seen.
Of course no disrespect to Ghana, overachievement is undoubtedly a good thing in the World Cup, and teams will now no longer ignore the African side as they should have made it to the semi finals but were undone by some controversial Uruguayan methods. Second round four years ago, quarter finals this time round, how will they do in 2014?
Uruguay lost 3-2 to Holland in the semi-final so that shows you how close they were to the World Cup final. Some great attacking football, along with some great goals meant Uruguay can be very pleased with the account they gave of themselves in South Africa.
Paraguay qualified top of their group, winning the first penalty shoot out of the World Cup, losing to eventual winners Spain in the quarter finals.
Do you agree with the awards? Comment below or on the Facebook page and let me know you opinion.
In a tough, hard fought out battle at Soccer City, Johannesburg, which saw some great saves, some outrageous tackles, and controversial decisions, the 2008 European Champions Spain beat perennial runners-up Holland 1-0 after extra time, thanks to a goal from one of, if not the best midfielder in the World; Andres Iniesta.
Real Talk Football would like to congratulate Spain for collecting their first ever World Cup title
Also Real Talk Football would like to congratulate South Africa on hosting an excellent tournament and hope they can be a shining example of things to come
The Dutch side haven’t really hit top form yet, but managed to overcome Denmark 2-0, a very tidy and hardworking Japan side 1-0 and the disappointing Cameroon side 2-1. Players such as Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie have been vital for the Dutch side, helping them top the group with 9 points, scoring five goals and conceding just the one solitary goal.
Key Man
Wesley Sneijder
The Inter Milan midfielder has shown no signs of fatigue from his treble winning season in Italy, and has been instrumental in the midfield five, playing behind Robin Van Persie. Sneijder has an excellent long range shot, world class technique, the ability to unlock a defence and great passing ability.
Slovakia
Details
The Slovakian side showed they were a very good side, who were unlucky to concede a late goal against New Zealand in the opening game to draw 1-1, while they lost to an impressive Paraguay 2-0, but Vladimir Weiss’s men produced the biggest upset by beating and knocking out the reigning and defending World Champions 3-2 in the final group game.
Key Man
Robert Vittek
The 28 year old striker built his career with 5 years at Nuremberg in Germany, before playing in France with Lille, and he now plays for Turkish side Ankaragucu. He has scored 22 goals in 72 international matches, and has been deadly at this year’s tournament, scoring 3 goals in 3 games, scoring a brace against Italy in the process. If Slovakia get a chance in the game, expect Vittek to be clinical in his finishing.
Prediction
As Slovakia have shown, they are capable of causing an upset, but the Netherlands are no mugs so far at this tournament and more importantly haven’t started their most impressive player; ArjenRobben, in any of the matches. With this in mind I can’t look past Bert Van Marwijk’s men winning 3-1.
Brazil vs Chile
Brazil
Details
A squad that came to South Africa, seemingly under the radar, without any real major expectations or pressure on them, which for me is a big mistake as they are the genuine contenders to win the World Cup. Brazil coach Dunga left star players Ronaldinho, Pato and Adriano at home while the likes of Kleberson returning, while Grafite and Ramires both appear at their first World Cup; fresh blood to freshen up the Brazilian side. This campaign has started ominously for the competition with Brazil topping the “group of death” ahead thanks to wins over Ivory Coast and North Korea, and a draw with Portugal.
Key Man
Luis Fabiano
The striker is a definitely as his peak right now, and has been for the past few years, and is the newly established Brazil number 9. He has 27 goals in 41 appearances for Brazil, and scored 2 goals in all 3 group games. Another clinical striker in the tournament, with power and pace, and has the benfifit of playing with creative players such as Kaka, Robinho, Maicon and Elano.
Chile
Details
Chile are a personal favourite of mine, and one of the most attacking teams in the tournament, coach Marco Bielsa is one of the best and most respected managers in South America and has began receiving the plaudits for his team performances. A poor performance against Spain aside, Chile beat Honduras 1-0 and Switzerland 1-0 to book their place in the second round.
Key Man
Alexis Sanchez
The Udinese winger has already caught the eye of many football fans with his performances in South Africa, but has been causing a stir for quite a while now. He has 11 goals in 32 caps and is expected to be Brazil’s main threat when the two meet.
Prediction
In the South American qualifying campaign, Brazil and Chile met twice; with the five time World Champions winning 4-2 and 3-0 respectively. The Chile side attacking they may be, lost their head in the match against Spain and threw away any chance of a victory with some poor decision and sill bookings. For this reason, I cannot look past a Brazil victory. They met in the 1998 World Cup at the same stage, and the Brazil side won that day with two goals apiece from Ronaldo and Cesar Sampaio consigned Chile to a 4-1 defeat.
With the World Cup now taking centre stage in the sporting world, it's clear that everyone's eyes are solely fixed on their respective nations matches and players, while the fans and media are scrutinising every managers tactics and every decision.
Now the world's premier sports competition has reached its most exciting part, the knockout phases, there are just 16 teams left in the competition, with 16 teams on the plane back home (including 2006 finalist's France and winners Italy).
Let's look at the second round line up:
Uruguay VS South Korea
Uruguay
Details
The Uruguayans finished top of Group A, with two wins against South Africa and Mexico, while drawing on the opening night of the tournament against France. The Uruguayans impressed many in the group stages with their attacking prowess and the front three combination of Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani and key man Diego Forlan. Also dont discount the no nonsense defending from Diego Lugano and Diego Godin, plus the safe hands of Fernando Muslera helped Uruguay qualify without conceding a goal.
Key Man
Diego Forlan
The Athletico Madrid hitman has had another excellent in Spain, and has managed to transfer this form onto the international scene. He has played all 3 games so far, scoring two goal and was voted man of the match for his performances against South Africa and France. He could be the difference on the day.
South Korea
Details
The South Koreans somewhat failed to live up to the 2002 hype at the previous tournament, but make no mistake they have definitely been one of the most consistent and efficient teams on display at this years competition. They finished runners up in their group behind Argentina, after beating Greece and earning a somewhat lucky draw with Nigeria. The only blemish in the group was a 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
Key Man
Park Ji-Sung
The Manchester United midfielder is the key man for the national side, and his performances so far have done nothing but increase his reputation as a very hard working and professional individual. I have been very impressed with him so far, and believe he is an excellent leader of the South Korean squad.
Prediction
I believe Uruguay are the favourites for this match, and will duly deliver. The South Korean's were heavily beaten by the last South American side they faced, and Uruguay play a similar attacking style to the Argentines, and the front three should be too much for Park Ji-Sung's team to handle. Uruguay 2-0 winners.
USA vs Ghana
USA
Details
The American's comfortably topped Group C, although they left it quite late against Algeria to collect the top spot. Another hard working team, which are very resolute although not being the best technical team, but that American tenacity is what has helped them fight back to earn draws with England and Slovenia, and win the group.
Key Man
Clint Dempsey
England fans will be familiar with Dempsey, not only because he helped Fulham reach the Europa League final, but it was his tame shot that Robert Green spilt into the net in the opening group game. The big bustling striker can cause the Ghana defence problems with his agility and technique, while shutting down his attempts on goal is a must.
Ghana
Details
What can be said about the Ghana team? The most effective and complete African team in the competition, they seem to have a strong sturdy defence, solid goalkeeper, hard working midfield, attacking flair, but the only thing missing is that goalscorer.
Key Man
Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan has been excellent so far, scoring two penalties, but he cannot do it all alone. He needs a bit more help upfront, and the Ghanaian attackers need to take their chances if they are to advance. Gyan has impressed many with his agility, pace and skill. He is a very good player, and can cause the USA defence many problems.
Prediction
The Ghana team had many chances against Germany, and still lost, and against a ten man Australia, only drawing. However Ghana are a very good collective unit and should be able to beat the USA team as long as they take their chances. 1-1 Ghana win 2-1 after extra time.
Germany vs England
Germany
Details
The German side impressed with an opening 4-0 win over ten man Australia, but subsequently lost to Serbia 1-0, and then struggled to overcome a stubborn Ghana side, eventually winning 1-0. The German's attacking is not what people are use to seeing and it has come at somewhat of a shock, but it has somewhat subsided in the last two games. If they regain this form, they can succeed, and beat the English.
Key Man
Miroslav Klose
The German striker is one of the top goalscorers in World Cup finals history, and continued impressing by scoring in the first game. However the 32 year old was sent off in the second game against Serbia for two yellow cards and missed the win against Ghana. He will now be rested and raring to make up for lost time against England. Linking up with Mesut Ozil, will be a deadly combination and one which could damage Fabio Capello's men.
England
Details
A terrible stuttering first two games in the group, with a needlessly shaky last 20 minutes in the final match made the England term look.. well.. Very English. Poor performances, then one good performance and England have done the hard part, getting out of a relatively easy group. Now they can play with no pressure, and take on an old foe.
Key Man
John Terry
The Chelsea defender has been rock solid for England, and I'm starting to gain a little bit of respect back for the double winning captain. He will need to give his all, as he always does, for the team when they face the Germans in order to combat the free flowing football they have displayed so far. Also of just importance is the goalkeeper David James, who has made the side look a lot more safe and secure with him behind the defence.
Prediction
A battle with the Germans is billed as the big match game, but the English media have not been hyping the match as previous games so far, for the simple reason; the English are the underdogs. This is probably the smartest way to approach the game, as England are underdogs and there is less pressure on them. England to win 1-0 in full time, Wayne Rooney goal.
Argentina vs Mexico
Argentina
Details
Despite an awful qualifying campaign, Argentina popped up out of nowhere to become everyone's favourite's to collect the trophy once they saw Diego Maradona's attacking options. Diego Milito of Inter Milan, Gonzalo Higiuan of Real Madrid, Martin Palermo of Boca Juniors, Carlos Tevez of Man City, Sergio Aguero of Athleico Madrid and of course Lionel Messi of Barcelona. They finished top of Group B, beating Nigeria, South Korea (convincingly) and Greece to finish the group with maximum points, scoring seven goals and only conceding one goal.
Key Man
Lionel Messi
Currently the best player in the world, he has performed very well in this World Cup so far without really hitting top form. Expect him to unlock a defence if need be, and being single handily able to win a game when required.
Details
Mexico
In a group whereby after the first round of games, it seemed anyone could top it, the Mexicans drew with the host nations South Africa in the opening game, then took advantage of a terrible France team to win 2-0 to book their place in the second round. A final game defeat to Uruguay prevented the Mexicans from topping the group.
Key Man
Giovanni Dos Santos
The young Tottenham player has failed to live up to the hype he received while playing at Barcelona, but started this World Cup really impressively and has used his attacking flair and ability for fashion many chances for the front two.
Prediction
2-1 Argentina win. Mexico are a tricky outfit, and could definitely cause an upset as they have met Argentina many times, and have somewhat of a good understanding of the South Americans. But scoring is not something which Gullie Franco, Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez have done freely at this tournament. While I believe Argentina could be got at defensively, the attacking prowess should see them through.
Stay tuned for Part Two, which will come on Monday.
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Watch Greece vs Nigeria Match today. Watch and enjoy this match live on your PC.FIFA World Cup 2010 Match to Watch here Greece vs Nigeria Live Streaming World cup south Africa direct on ur PC. You can enjoy this game on your PC, So why you miss this exciting race Don't miss this match.
“It is almost a beautiful 0-0. But the result is what it is. They were good, solid in defence."
These simple words, used by France nation team coach; Raymond Domenech, after his side limped to a 0-0 draw against ten man Uruguay in their World Cup Group A match on Friday. A game which in fact Les Bleus seemingly dominated, leading the way on attempts on goal; ten compared to Uruguay’s three, possession; 57% compared to Uruguay’s 43%, and in other areas such as corners and free kicks.
Although France dominated the stats on the night, it was made abundantly clear that France lack the required potential, or firepower to beat teams, let alone cause Uruguay any real concern. This subsequently highlighted the belief that the French team are still stuck in the past, lacklustre and the fact that a team with the array of talents can ultimately fail to overpower a ten man team with only two real quality players, would consequently highlight my belief that the France team have somewhat of a clueless and outdated manager in charge.
Before the start of the World Cup, Domenech made some very strange decisions when selecting his 23 man squad for the trip to South Africa. Most noticeably leaving out Arsenal’s Samir Nasri; who arguably had his best season at the Emirates this year and was one of the Gunners best players this year. Also the rejuvenated Senegalese-born, 33 year old, French legend Patrick Vieira; who left the comfort of the Inter Milan substitutes bench, to return to the Premier League and play for Manchester City, was also left out of the squad. Finally and most noticeably is the somewhat harsh treatment of striker Karim Benzema. The 22 year old joined Real Madrid for €35 million from French side Olympique Lyonnaise, but he struggled to make a consistent impact in Madrid, mainly due to the outstanding form of Gonzalo Higuian and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as niggling injuries, leaving him to score just 8 goals in 27 appearances. This was deemed insufficient enough for a place on the plane, with Lyon’s Sidney Govou and Djibril Cisse of Panathinaikos in his place.
In the past, the 58 year old has been no stranger to odd selection decisions. It was believed that he left out Robert Pires, who in his prime at Arsenal was left out of the EURO 2004 squad as rumours surfaced that it was believed Domenech’s apparent Astrological beliefs and subsequent “distrust of Scorpio’s” led to his omission from the squad. Domenech then fell out with the man picked ahead of Pires in the squad (Vikash Dhorosoo) leading to the then Lyon player to retire from international football. Similar cases of strange exclusions include leaving both Nicholas Anelka and Champions League winning Barcelona star Ludovic Guily out of the 2006 squad, along with the established AS Roma centre back Philippe Mexes. In 2008, he left out one of the best French strikers in Europe, the in-form Djibril Cisse for the untested at international level Bafetmbi Gomis for the EURO 2008 squad.
Even before the teams first game at this year’s World Cup, Domenech’s troubles began with the French sports minister; Rama Yade highlighted his distaste for the national side’s selection of a 5-star hotel, stating how Domenech would be held accountable for the teams poor performance, if they got to comfortable in their surroundings. Again the causes for concern was highlighted with the French team were seen taking part in a selection of “team building exercises” including buggy riding and cycling, which were recorded by the press and freely used on sports channels. The lack of discipline within the team is evidently when seeing these activities, while adding unnecessary risk to players, no more so then Arsenal’s William Gallas, who is deemed a vital player to the side, arising unscathed from an accident involving his buggy which had toppled over.
Again another problem, arising from the subsequent lack of discipline ever more plain to see amongst this year’s squad, is a story which is believed to be that there is now “disruption” and “revolt” within the camp, as Chelsea star Florent Malouda fell out with the coach before the game over a disagreement at Malouda’s overzealous training, as well as Domenech’s decision to play two holding midfielders (Diaby and Toulalon) rather than the Chelsea man. Then giving Domenech more team issues, aside of a 1-0 defeat to relative football minnows China, a talk of a “revolt” had been highlighted in many of the morning newspapers, and surrounding press, arising from the decision to instil Manchester United left back Patrice Evra as national team captain, rather than the popular 32 year old Barcelona striker Thierry Henry. These examples highlight the poor pre-tournament preparation from Domenech and his staff for France’s conquest onto the World’s biggest football competition. This lack of preparation and consequent disruption has been carried onto the pitch, and was palpably clear in the mediocre performance against Uruguay, the Frenchman now more than ever needs to get a grip of his squad, and the big characters involved it.
The French side before the game, on paper looks good enough to compete with any of the top teams in the World. The side started with Hugo Lloris in goal, Bacary Sagna, Eric Abidal, William Gallas and Captain Patrice Evra in defence. Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby and Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan in the holding midfield, Franck Ribery on the left with the talented Gourcuff on the right with Sidney Govou and Anelka upfront. A solid, experience and technically gifted team, that should be able to pass or play their way through any team in the World Cup, and with all respect a team such as Uruguay, off the pitch. However it was evidently clear within 15 minutes of the match, they were no real nerves from the French nor were there any real concern for the opponents they were facing, but there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm and excitement from the French side to even collect all three points.
During the game, with Uruguayan substitute Nicolas Lodeiro sent off after less than 10 minutes on the pitch, Domenech decided to leave 30 year old forward Sidney Govou on the pitch, as he took off Chelsea’s in-form Nicholas Anelka off for the out of favour Thierry Henry. A decision which baffled many, as Govou’s poor performance was evident for all to see. Subsequent baffling decisions included bring on 6ft 2in centre forward Andre-Pierre Gignac, and playing on the right wing position of the front three while the likes of Florent Malouda was placed as a supporting striker, situated behind Thierry Henry, and Franck Ribery on the left. Is it just me or does this make absolutely no sense. Surely a big powerful centre forward would be better situated upfront next to Henry, with Malouda on the left and Ribery on the right? But for some reason, Domenech’s players looked confused and unsure of where they were playing or even what the tactics were, it seems Domenech’s confused managerial choices had spilt onto the pitch, and confused the players.
Is it unfair to base the France team’s chances on this performance? Or is it just the nerves of playing on the first day of this major tournament hindering their performance? With the experienced and talented individuals on show, it would be unlikely to believe nerves would get the better of a team like this. Let’s not forget France stuttered their way into the finals finishing second in the qualifiers, and beating the Republic of Ireland in the playoffs thanks to the “hand of Henry”. It would seem that France have been out of form for since EURO 2008, all under the guidance of Domenech.
Is this talk of revolt and dispute over the captaincy means that the big names in the dressing room are causing a divide having subsequently losing faith in the manager; it looks more and more like it doesn’t really bother Domenech! And that fact that former Girondins de Bordeaux manager; Laurent Blanc has already agreed to take over. Therefore there is no real pressure on Domenech to get the French national team to perform nor would it seem there is any motivation for success, something which now visibly displayed on the pitch. Is the enthusiasm and excitement shown on the touchlines by other managers such as Joachim Low of Germany and Diego Maradona of Argentina that which is needed? Definitely, but the sooner the 58 year old leaves, the quicker the France national team can get the fresh start it needs, the sooner the French fans can dream of success in the near future.