Euro 2008: Learn something, Raymond Domenech!

It is said that legendary Inter Milan's coach Helenio Herrera had the biggest ego when it came to football.

I beg to differ.

I believe that Raymond Domenech has earned that title.

Being drawn into the "group of death" at Euro 2008, a smart manager would choose his best team, keeping aside his personal differences with players. But, Raymond Domenech has effectively shot himself in the foot.

After two matches, and a draw and a loss later, Domenech's team looks likely to be knocked out of the competition in the first round. That would be a shock, considering that France was a World Cup finalist two years ago.

Amongst all the teams in the group, France has looked more helpless than any other.

Their inability to break down the Romanian defense was a sign that they lacked the killing instinct. Their next result against the Netherlands showed that they were well below par when it came to playing a world class team.

The Netherlands, on the other hand, have learned from their 2006 World Cup debacle. Coach Marco Van Basten looks to have buried the hatchet with striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and things are looking up for the Oranje. As a result of their unity, they have beaten the two World Cup finalists.

They say that smart people are those that learn from their mistakes. I think that smart people are those that learn from others' mistakes, and Raymond Domenech hasn't learned that at all. He publicly criticized star striker David Trezeguet, and selected Bafetimbi Gomis instead.

Gomis has been used as a substitute mostly and has not impressed anyone. France's inability to score without Henry in the squad was evident when they could not split a reasonably weak Romanian defense.

When Henry returned against the Oranje, the result was no different—he looked out of touch, and David Trezeguet's absence was felt.

Trezeguet would definitely be a welcome entry in the team now, but sadly, that cannot be done.

Unlike Henry, Trezeguet had had a great season with Juventus, and was scoring freely. Domenech, on his part, made a costly error by keeping him out. He said that Trezeguet was "nothing special."

I bet that the French players must be missing Trezeguet at the Euros. And now, as the French are on the verge of elimination, all fingers will be pointed at Domenech for faulty squad selection.

I believe that the French coach must learn to overlook his differences with players, and make selections that will benefit the team.

Maybe Marco Van Basten can teach him a thing or two in this department.