A big day for the two teams who were in last tournament’s final. France refused to train in solidarity of Anelka’s sending home (after calling Domenech a “son-of-a-bitch” when taken off during the 2-0 loss to Mexico). Italy looked lifeless today against the All-Whites, until they were scored upon and need to level. They dove, wow did they dive, their way back to a 1-1 scoreline, then sat back and relaxed again, never really threatening for the whole 3 points.

What can you say other than, WTF? We’ve all seen the players on both these teams at club level, and they are fantastic week after week. They play beautiful team ball and are punished if they don’t. Then they throw on the national team jersey and everything goes to hell.