Everybody Loves Raymond

 

Or at least the French Football Federation does.  

The hapless astrologer was retained as coach of France today in an 18-1 vote of the FFF's Federal Council, despite Jean-Pierre Escalettes, the FFF's president, calling Domenech's Euro 2008 performance "a resounding failure."

Pour quoi grenouilles?  Domenech easily beat out Roberto Donadoni, who was just sacked by Italy, for the title of worst coach of the tournament.  Still, France feels he is the best man for the job.  

Will his inspired selections of septuagenarians Sagnol, Thuram, Makelele, and co. be fitter and more effective in the coming years?  Will his insistence to leave Scorpios out of his lineup finally pay dividends in World Cup qualifying?  What in the world is France thinking?

Quickly, take a look at France's options up front.  Les Bleus have Henry, Trezeguet, and Benzema at their disposal.  How does Nicolas Anelka start up front by himself in the opening game of the tournament?  Sure Henry was hurt, but even Bafetimbi Gomis is better than the birdman.  

Domenech chose to leave Mexes, Trezeguet, Flamini, and Sagna at home.  Ok, bold move, don't choose the established stars, bring the youngsters trying to make a name for themselves.  Instead, bring Jean-Alain Boumsong, Francois Clerc, and Sebastien Squillaci.  What are you doing, Monsieur Domenech?

Between his selections and his tactics, Domenech could do no right.  The French finished the tournament 15th out of 16.  

Look at his past results, his supporters might say.  Domenech led France on a miracle run to the final of World Cup 2006, isn't that impressive enough to keep him around?

That result was no miracle of coaching.  Domenech just happened to have the best player in the world, Zidane, play two of the games of the decade against Spain and Brazil.  In fact, France won despite the dim-wittery of Domenech, whose stubborn insistence on an aging Fabien Barthez in net continuously threatened to eliminate the otherwise excellent French squad.  

France is drawn in World Cup Qualifying with both Romania and Serbia.  With Domenech at the helm, there just might not be any French presence in South Africa come 2010.