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Reuters, Monday, June 19, 2006 2:24 PM
It would seem that the job of the press during the World Cup is to laud the national team to the skies for good performances and turn away from them like a disowned child after bad ones. France has an
unquestionably talented squad that is capable of great things, but the national team cannot seem to get it together. However, it's little wonder the French side lacks confidence when the team is
consistently roasted by the press regardless of the result and booed by its home fans even when it wins. As expected, the French were mauled by the press after yesterday's disappointing 1-1 draw with
South Korea: "Hopeless!" said L'Equipe. "Les Bleus nosedived in the second [half]. It is very worrying," the paper wrote. "Les Bleus in danger," was the headline of another, while Liberation probably
summed up the national attitude best with its headline, "France Fails." The truth is, France is still in a very good position to qualify for the second round. The Bleus are about to play the group's
bogey side, Togo, which Switzerland beat, 2-0, earlier in the day. If Les Bleus can manage a 2-0 or better win over the Togolesewhose minds are no doubt still fixated on how much money they're
owedthey will qualify for the second round. Should Switzerland and South Korea draw, they could very well finish top.
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