The Sports Life

French Press Call For Domenech's Head After France Exit Euro 2008

In the time honoured tradition of the good old sporting clich? it?s time to break open the thesaurus, cry over the spilled milk and join the rest of the country in mourning France?s humiliating exit from Euro 2008.

On the morning after the night before, the French newspaper headlines are inevitably screaming for the head of the national team?s coach, Raymond Domenech.

Tuesday?s 2-0 defeat to Italy could have just been the final straw to break the camel?s back as far as Domenech?s future in the job is concerned, although popping up in front of the microphone on the inevitable post-match post-mortem on national television immediately following the game his mind seemed to be elsewhere.

In front of millions of viewers Domenech behaved as though he had stepped straight on to the set of a Reality TV show by proposing to his long-time partner and one of the programme?s presenters, Estelle Denis.

Red-eyed and clearly brimming with emotion, Domenech mumbled into the microphone that he had only one project for the immediate future.

?That?s to marry Estelle,? he said. ?It?s at times like these that we all need someone and I need her,? he continued.

?I thought to myself that there are beautiful things in life such as saying to people that we love them.

And it?s in these difficult moments that everyone wants to say what really matters. I wanted to say that,? he added.

Fairly tugs at the heartstrings doesn?t it? There was no admission of his failure or mistakes he had made, just a mention of ?a team for the future? and a marriage proposal into the bargain. Quite a night all round really.

Domenech?s contract with the French Football Federation runs until 2010 and ? perhaps luckily for him given his miserable track record as manager ? isn?t actually performance related.

But the head honchos of French soccer will be getting together next month with the coach to discuss not only the strategy for qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but most likely his future too.

Already there are a number of experienced managers and former internationals itching to step into Domenech?s shoes and prove that a reign at the top can actually bring home trophies.

Didier Deschamps and Laurent Blanc ? both members of France?s World Cup winning squad back in 1998 are two of the favourites being touted around at the moment.

On a positive note ? yes there is apparently one to be spun from France?s early exit ? is the pool of talented young players available as Domenech or whoever starts rebuilding for the 2010 campaign.

Already a number of the old guard 30-somethings have announced their retirement from international football. Lilian Thuram, Willy Sagnol and Claude Makelele have already said they?re hanging up their boots and more are expected in the following days.

While the fat lady might still be singing for Domenech, for the players it?s now time to lick their wounds, pack their bags and take the first flight home.

With the Netherlands beating Romania in the group?s other match, Les Bleus - incidentally playing in white for their last match of the tournament ? finished plum last, managing just one measly goal and one even more measly point from their three appearances.

A pretty poor showing in anyone?s books from the 2006 World Cup runner up and one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Johnny Summerton is a Paris-based broadcaster, writer and journalist specializing in politics, sport and travel. For more on what's making the headlines here in France, log on to his site at http://www.persiflagefrance.com

MORE ARTICLES:

Soccer Jerseys: As Popular As Ever
The demand for soccer jerseys grows as international competitions or even local games become more and more popular Avid fans wear these uniforms to support their teams and proclaim their loyalty and admiration

Finding Cheap Football Boots | Suitable Football Boots
Across the UK and throughout the world, association football is the single most popular sport. In fact, this sport boasts having an audience that is twice that of the Olympics. It's not surprising for passion to run high whenever so many people love the sport such as this. Thousands of youngsters all across the world everyday are starting their love affair with football. The first step for these young aspiring players is to find the right pair of football boots which will allow them to develop as footballers.

Compat Soccer Shoes Launches New Store
New online soccer shoe source www.CompatSoccerShoes.com celebrates its grand opening and the launch of a new weblog.

Enjoy the Long Awaited Euro2008 Football Season
The summer is about to end and this marks the dawn of the new season for football With a huge fan following from all over the world, specially Europe, everyone seems to be all-set to witness the kick-off of domestic leagues

Football One on One Website is Back for 2007
Football One on One is a family-friendly website that features lively and entertaining Podcast shows, an annual NFL Predictions Magazine, weekly NFL predictions, kid-friendly football training video clips, Electric Football video clips, the latest NFL news, and special football promotional entertainment packages.

Basketball Hats/Caps
There is nothing sweeter for a basketball lover than to don on a cap or hat of their favorite basketball team or even one that features their favorite player. Not only does a cap or a hat keep off the heat from the sun, it is also a fashion statement for some or their testament to being a fan. It also complements a jersey that an avid lover of basketball already has. The market is now full of the latest designs that are innovative and unique and could be just perfect to buy for yourself or for a loved one, whether they be young or old.

English Premiership Football 2006-07 ? Aston Villa 2:0 Newcastle
Aston Villa?s renaissance under the guidance of Martin O?Neill continued at Villa Park as the home team put Newcastle to the sword.

Live Premiership Football
An opportunity to watch live football on your PC delivers a live action which is packed with excitement. This is something more than what a mere spectator anticipates. It makes you feel as if you are part of the football action.

lauckgroup Selected to Design New Dallas Headquarters of the National Football Foundation
The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame has selected lauckgroup, a Dallas-based interior architecture firm, to design its new 6,200-square-foot headquarters facility in Irving, Texas. NFF's headquarters has been moved from Morristown, New Jersey, to accommodate the organization's need for a more central national location.