France at the 2006 World Cup

The 2006 squad

What started off to be a horrible campaign and a repeat of the World Cup performance in 2002, turned into something promising and hopeful, until the dreadful climax.

Raymond Domenech

France coach, Raymond Domenech was heavily criticized for his team selection and stubbornness – the main point being selecting a relatively old France team for the 2006 World Cup, which resulted in the in-form goalkeeper, Gregory Coupet, being dropped, in favour of the oldie, Fabian Barthez.

The World Cup had begun, and the criticism seemed to be vindicated as a lacklustre France side drew their first two games with Switzerland and South Korea with scorelines 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. Zinedine Zidane was suspended for the final group stage match due to the yellow cards rule, but Les Bleu finally arose, defeating a weak Togo side 2-0 to qualify from the group in 2nd place behind Switzerland, with goals from Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.

Fans were calling for Domenech to drop Zidane after his return from suspension before the round of 16 match against the impressive Spain, one of the tournament favorites but to no avail. Spain went ahead with a penalty from David Villa, leading many to believe that this was the end for the French. However, a halftime equalizer from Franck Ribery and an inspired Zidane performance, with him and Viera scoring a goal each, resulted in a 3-1 success and saw them through to the quarterfinals.

Things were looking hopeful for Domenech and his men – however, they were up against the reigning World Champions, Brazil, in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately for the champions, Zidane ran the show again, and France won 1-0, courtesy of a Thierry Henry goal.

Thierry Henry slots home the winner vs Brazil.

France had now beaten two of the tournament favorites in Spain and Brazil, and now, became the favorites themselves along with tournament hosts, Germany. They faced an exciting Portugal side in the semi finals – a repeat of the Euro 2000 semi finals, in which Zidane scored the winner via a penalty – lightning struck twice as Zidane repeated the feat helping France to a 1-0 win over Portugal! People rooting for a repeat of the 2002 World Cup group stage disappointment for France were indeed thwarted. Domenech had led his side incredibly to the final!

France were rampant in the buildup to the final!

A confident Italy side were waiting in the final, after defeating tournament favorites and hosts, Germany. However, they seemed no match for an inspired France side, who took the lead after another Zidane penalty. Italy proceeded to equalize through an unlikely source in defender, Marco Materrazi – who proved to play a decisive role in the match later on. It was soon extra time and France were still looking hot favorites to win the World Cup, with Zidane having his point blank header saved brilliantly by Buffon. However, France’s dream run came to an end when Zidane got himself sent off in his last match ever after headbutting Materazzi, who allegedly made comments about Zidane’s sister. Italy won in the following penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 and in the process, shattered every French supporter’s dream. It was the worst possible ending for what seemed to be a perfect way to prove the critics wrong for Domenech – and for Zidane, who signed off from football in the worst possible way – getting a red card in his final match. An unlikely but beautiful journey had ended so cruelly.

The Infamous Headbutt