Euro World Cup Qualifying Opens With Upsets

September 6th, 2008 | by: Daryl |

When France decided to stick with Raymond Domenech following the Euro 2008 shambles, the world was surprised. Less surprising is that France’s World Cup qualification campaign under Domenech has got off to the worst possible start with a 3-1 loss to Austria.

It started badly when Phillipe Mexes scored an 8th minute own goal (though Janko will claim it) …

…and things pretty much got worse from there. Especially for Mexes. Apparently it was Mexes who gave away the free kick that led to this goal, allowing Rene Aufhauser to make it 2-0 before halftime:

Sidney Govou pulled one back in the 61st, but a 72nd minute Andreas Ivanschitz penalty pretty much sealed France’s fate. Guess who gave away the penalty. Yep, Mexes asgain.

Does this vindicate Domenech for not taking Mexes? Maybe, but this defeat puts Domenech under pressure, especially with the next game being against Serbia at home. A defeat (or maybe even a draw) there and he’s got to be looking at unemployment. Great start for Karel Bruckner as Austria manager though.

The other two surprises in European WC qualifying were Romania losing 3-0 at home to Lithuania (Romania were missing Christian Chivu and Adrian Mutu, and Lithuania are no mugs, but it’s still a surprise) and Scotland losing 1-0 away defeat to Macedonia.

Macedonia’s winning goal came in the fifth minute when Ilco Naumoski pounced on the rebound after Craig Gordon had saved a Goce Sedloski free kick:

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.myspace.com Tommy Wong

Forza Mexes. NAH MEAN?
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

Chris thinks Mexes was paid off by the other Serie A French guys to take down Domenech. Way to take it for the team, Philippe!
mele419

Naw Laurie, France is just terrible =P
Why no write up about Italy’s win over Cyprus thanks to an Antonio di Christmas Brace that included a 90th minute goal?
Ronald

because this page is about upsets…………
http://eurosoccerdaily.com Justin

Hopefully a poor start to the qualifying campaign will mean the end for Domenech and France can move on to someone like a Papin or Houllier (yes I know he’s been there and done that) or someone younger. Hopefully whomever it is brings in some youth and clears out the old guard…..no more Anelka…please! http://eurosoccerdaily.com
mele419

Italy’s match was nearly an upset.
And oh no, breaking the rules!? How terrible! Ahhh no one would EVER think of writing something that wasn’t an upset into an article of upsets, despite the games being in the same tournament.
Michael

WE love the equipe de France but hopefully this loss will give Domenech
his good bye papers. Domenech seems to be a good politician (not a compliment) & knows how to play the game inside the FFF. He should have been gone long ago. We truly hope this match is the end of his mandate. He is just a big mouth SOB.