Soccer : the art of doing nothing.

Italy underperformed at Euro 2008, Italian coach Roberto Donadoni was fired.

Was he responsible for his players’ missed penalty kicks against Spain ? It did not matter. Italy had not reached its objectives, something had to be done : the message was passed failure was not an option.

France underperformed at Euro 2008 -or did it ?-, French soccer honchos procrastinated : Raymond Domenech remains coach of the national team, though, supposedly, on a tighter leash.

France did not reach its objectives -France had objectives, did it not ?-, nothing needed be done : the message was passed, let us always follow the easier course.

A new coach might have flex his muscles, French soccer honchos fear other people's muscles, they much prefer a weakened newly-wed.

What if France starts poorly in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers ? Procrastination shall give way to panic mode.

(PM)