Evra’s revolt and Anelka’s expulsion tainted France’s dire 2010 World Cup

France are the reigning World Cup champions from Russia 2018. Didier Deschamps' side won the tournament in Russia four years ago. Les Bleus reached the final in 2006 and the 1998 World cup. They didn't do well in South Africa in 2010 due to problems with the team.

France returned from the 2010 World Cup under a cloud of disarray. Jean-Louis Valentin resigned as team director and Patrice Evra led a play revolt during an open training session in Knysna. Raymond Domenech resigned from his role as head coach that summer. Domnech was fired from a technical advisory board for three 'grave errors' and received a compensation package of £845k in August 2011.

France's 2010 World Cup campaign started poorly. Anelka was expelled from the squad for arguing with Domenech. He was frustrated with his performance and the way he was treated by the coach. Evra convinced him to stay in South Africa. The incident tainted France's World cup campaign. The documentary ‘Anelkka: Misunderstood’ is about the documentary.

Evra and Anelka's revolt and the expulsion of Analka from the France team during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa tainted the team's performance. Valentin resigned as team director in anger at the developing scenes. The Guardian noted that the players refused to train at an open session in front of hundreds of fans in response to the FFF axing Anlka.

France lost 2-1 to Bafana Bafa in their final World Cup match. They were eliminated from the tournament. Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 to take top spot in Group A. France had to beat South Africa and hope that Mexico would beat La Celeste. France were also beaten by Yoann Gourcuff. Evra was benched for the match because of his role in the mutiny over Anelka's exit.

France had to come through two qualifying legs with the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in November 2019. Anelka had scored the only goal of the first leg in Dublin. Robbie Keane put the Boys in Green level at the Stade de France. Thierry Henry broke the hearts of France with a goal in extra time. France finished second in Group 7.

France beat Ireland in the 2010 World Cup. William Gallas scored the winning goal. Rory Delap believes the defeat hurt the country. He believes people stopped buying Henry hoovers. He also believes that people don't mind getting beaten by great players. The player he played with is still remembered for his handball in 2014.