The Decline of French Football

[pioneer]

Treachery, backstabbing and rebellion - traditionally the elements of film noir rather than football.

Yet France's chaotic World Cup campaign has fallen victim to all three.

The 2006 runners-up have no goals and only one point after their first two games and are on the brink of an embarrassingly early exit.

But it is the revolt within the team ranks that has grabbed the headlines.

"Shambles" was the front page in Liberation.

"Mutineers", cried the headline in Aujourd'hui en France.

source: BBC