World Cup: Inside France's 'soap opera' meltdown

A foul-mouthed striker sent home in disgrace. A coach who picks teams based on their star signs. And a team that refuses to train. What's going on with Les Bleus?

Mathieu Valbuena of France reacts after a 2-0 loss to Mexico.
(Image credit: Getty)

In the high pressure environment of a World Cup tournament, poor on-field results can lead to behind-the-scenes fireworks — and for this year's French team, the pyrotechnics have been spectacular. After two dismal outings, the 1998 World Cup champs are not only on the verge of being eliminated in the first round, but of becoming a national embarrassment. (Watch the French team refuse to practice.) Here's a guide to France's ongoing soccer "soap opera":

How did all this start?

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