This month we look back at France’s epic capitulation at the 2010 World Cup. From the start, the French campaign was shrouded in gloom and scandal, courtesy of Raymond Domenech’s haphazard management, Thierry Henry’s handball in the play-off against Republic of Ireland, and a prostitute scandal involving some of the squad. The situation was exacerbated by the self-serving behaviour of both the players and the manager, and the weak leadership from the top of the French Football Federation. It all built to the nadir of French international football when the players went on strike, following the defeat against Mexico and the dismissal of Nicolas Anelka from the squad. The collapse of the national team was wrapped up in France’s socio-political insecurities about race, nationality, class and identity. Has a major nation ever fallen apart so comprehensively on the biggest stage?

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