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Persona non grata: French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez arrives in Israel (AP)
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Fabien Barthez walks off the field after losing to the Israelis. What he should have been afraid of is being outplayed. Next time he fears coming to Israel, he'll have a more convincing reason. (AP)
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners March 30, 2005 |
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| The winning header by Walid Badir past Fabien Barthez (AP) |
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Israeli fans whistled and booed during the playing of the Marseillaise at the start of a crucial World Cup qualifying match with France in Ramat Gan.
But France got revenge, taking a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 49th minute by David Trezeguet, who was sent off for a head-butt foul against Tal Ben-Haim minutes later.
Israel's Walid Badir scored a brilliant header in the 83rd minute.
And that's how it ended, with Israel remaining on top of their division, sharing the lead with Ireland, ahead of France on goals.
France, which won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000, is still considered a favorite to win a place at next year's finals in Germany despite three goalless draws at home -- including one against Israel and another against Switzerland on Saturday.
Wednesday's game has captivated soccer-mad Israel, with fans hoping their team can make its first World Cup appearance since 1970, the only time it participated in a major tournament.
On Tuesday, the country's two main newspapers carried front page pictures of French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who arrived in Tel Aviv after retracting an earlier threat to stay at home because of fears for his safety.
"Scary here?" newspaper Yediot Ahronot asked mockingly.
Yediot's attitude underscored the antipathy that many Israelis feel toward the French, whom they accuse of harboring anti-Semitic sentiments.
Israel Football Association chairman Shaul Aizenberg said authorities would do everything possible to prevent outbreaks of anti-French feeling at the game.
"The IFA will approach Israeli fans through Wednesday, call on them to respect the French national anthem in accordance with FIFA conduct," he said.
France captain Patrick Vieira had a warning for Israel.
"We had no chance Saturday against Switzerland and tomorrow against Israel there is a chance," Vieira said. "Israel has to fear us on the field because we're going to crush them. It's a very important game for us."
France coach Raymond Domenech reiterated that his side is in a rebuilding phase.
"We have to be calm and play our game," Domenech said. "We must envision the match the night before, and we have to be more self-confident. These are young players.
"With four days between the two games I have to be more psychological and less physical with the players."
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