<p>The 2010 World Cup was destructive for France, and a new Netflix documentary dives into the issues that surrounded the team. After finishing last in its Euro 2008 group with just one point, the pressure mounted on a France team that included Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Patrice Evra and other top talents. However, the side suffered its worst performance at the World Cup. Yet, the far more memorable occurrence was what happened with dissent within the squad and the ensuing suspensions. </p>



<p>A new Netflix documentary goes into detail about how French head coach Raymond Domenech <a href="https://www.footmercato.net/a2756012613477460934-netflix-prepare-un-documentaire-sur-le-scandale-de-knysna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lost control</a> of the squad. The controversy eventually brought in the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. By the end of the tournament, Anelka picked up a suspension from the France Football Federation for 18 games. Evra would miss the next five France games while Ribery would be out of the squad for the ensuing three. </p>



<p>In the second group-stage game, France was losing to Mexico. Anelka delivered a fiery rant toward Domenech, and the midfielder refused to apologize after the game. That forced the French coaching staff to send Anelka home. Evra clashed with another member of the France coaching staff, and the players had to intervene to ensure the bust-up did not amount to anything more serious. The sports minister of France, Roselyn Bachelot, spoke directly to the France squad. She asked them if this is how they wanted to establish their legacy as France players at a World Cup. The speech was so powerful and meaningful that many of the French players teared up about their legacy.</p>



<p>France went on to lose the last match of its World Cup campaign against South Africa. With one point and a single goal scored, France finished at the bottom of its group. The ramifications of everything that happened in the tournament were extreme. The suspensions hurt individual players, but the entire squad picked up a one-game suspension from the FFF.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240610_WST_511016_Anelka-2010-World-Cup-1200x670_9e70b8b7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-511018" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Anelka-2010-World-Cup-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Anelka-2010-World-Cup-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Anelka-2010-World-Cup-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Anelka-2010-World-Cup.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Netflix documentary dives into detail on France at 2010 World Cup</h2>



<p>The documentary will have first-hand accounts of what happened in South Africa during that tournament. Calling upon Evra and Domenech will call upon both sides of the altercations within the France camp. Dolores Emile, the director of documentaries and streaming programs at Netflix France, discussed what fans can expect from the program. </p>



<p>“We will tell how they, in particular, experienced it almost hour by hour, from the inside. With what we thought we knew but which we never really knew… It’s a succession of actions, ultimately very personal, leading to a collective movement which went beyond sport,” Emile said.</p>



<p>Soccer documentaries have become an increasingly in-depth way to enjoy soccer. Many of those pertain to new-era issues or players. Netflix’s previous documentaries focus on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mourinho-documentary-launches-on-netflix-what-will-it-show/">Jose Mourinho</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/manchester-city-netflix-clip-teases-guardiola-tactical-mastermind/">Manchester City</a>, as examples. Apple released documentaries about Lionel Messi, with one <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/messis-world-cup-on-apple-tv-recaptures-magic-of-triumph-20240219-WST-489894.html">about the 2022 World Cup</a> and the other about his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/second-new-messi-documentary-in-the-works-by-apple-tv-20230814-WST-449975.html">time with Inter Miami</a>. Paramount+ has also dropped a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/paramount-set-to-release-docuseries-about-uefa-champions-league-20230516-WST-433096.html">series about the UEFA Champions League</a>.</p>



<p>There is no release date for the Netflix documentary about the 2010 World Cup for France. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Netflix documentary recounts dark 2010 World Cup for France

The 2010 World Cup was destructive for France, and a new Netflix documentary dives into the issues that surrounded the team.


<p>Growing up, I played soccer religiously. Practice happened three times a week, and then there was a game on Saturday. Oftentimes, there was a tournament at the weekend, so that took up all of my time. You would see teams sponsored by clubs from Europe. Everton and Celtic are two teams that stood out as frequent opponents for the teams that I played on. </p>



<p>However, I never had much of an interest in watching. Instead, American football, basketball and hockey dominated my TV screen. I figured that, since I played soccer and baseball, I did not need to watch those sports. Yet, everyone watched the World Series for baseball. So, in 2010, it made sense to watch the World Cup. A younger me thought that was the equivalent of the Super Bowl or the World Series. The current me understands that there is no competition to the World Cup.</p>



<p>Still, after the United States exited the tournament in the round of 16, I was enamored with the way <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> played. The ball did all the work with Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and Xabi Alonso in the midfield. I compared myself to them. Never the fastest, biggest, or strongest, I always preferred to pass the ball and make the other team work. No, I was not equivalent to these world-class players as an 11-year-old. But, kids have dreams, no? That team <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSHgMqCwbQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">won the World Cup</a>, and I was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2010-world-cup-final-the-most-watched-soccer-game-in-u-s-history-20100713-CMS-22078.html">one of millions</a> who found the Spanish side entertaining. </p>



<h2>From Spain to Barcelona as a supporter</h2>



<p>Naturally, I sought out those players so I could watch them more. Most of that Spain squad in 2010 played for one team, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">FC Barcelona</a>. Naturally, I started watching them more. They had Lionel Messi, which only made things more enjoyable. Seeing his array of talent took some of my focus away from the midfield trio of Iniesta, Busquets, and Xavi. The Argentine was simply incredible to watch. As someone who could not dribble, his ability to take defenders on was unbelievable. </p>



<p>However, my fandom solidified itself during that 2010/11 season and the following campaign. That is when Messi was in his prime, and it led to success for Barcelona. Yes, the club won LaLiga and the Champions League. But, I think you find out how much a club means to you in the lower points. I remember watching the 2011 Copa del Rey Final. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a world-class header in extra time that ultimately sank Barcelona. Real Madrid emerged as the villain in my soccer fandom.</p>



<p>Barcelona’s relative struggles over the next several seasons with one trophy per campaign were not ideal. However, that kept my expectations in check. Then, in the 2014/15 season, I got to see one of the best teams of all time. Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Messi in front of that same midfield three that won the World Cup in 2010 was unbelievable to watch. That team looked unstoppable anytime it went forward. Every player played a key role in that squad. The 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the semifinal remains one of my favorite games to watch highlights from. </p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Lionel Messi Destroys Bayern&apos;s Jerome Boateng in 2015 UCL Semifinal | CBS Sports Golazo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nHAjktNg6fo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h5>The ups and downs of Barcelona</h5>



<p>Thankfully, I enjoyed those moments. By then, there was no turning back on being a Barcelona fan. Granted, there have been times when I wish I were not a Barcelona supporter. That night at Anfield, that night in Rome, that night in Lisbon against Bayern Munich. There have been some haunting days that my friends still remind me of. </p>



<p>Such is the nature of being a fan. If you want the good, you have to put up with the bad. Unfortunately, the last five to seven years have been more bad than good. Each of the players who coaxed me into the club is gone, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/08/18/barcelonas-1-5-billion-debt-how-a-mega-club-fell-into-a-financial-black-hole-and-lost-its-star/">some more unceremoniously than others</a>. There are new faces that carry the weight of that kit. However, Barcelona may be turning a page, and my spirits, with recent success. </p>



<p>This club has my heart now. Many weekends orient around being able to watch Barcelona. Sometimes, that is a struggle. Other times, it is a pleasure. Whichever it is, Barcelona is a part of my life as a supporter, and it will be for years to come.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PanoramiC</em></p>


Spain 2010 World Cup run turned me into a Barcelona supporter

Being a Barcelona supporter did not look so desireable over the last several years. However, the club is a part of my identity.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "2010 World Cup"

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Netflix documentary recounts dark 2010 World Cup for France

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Spain 2010 World Cup run turned me into a Barcelona supporter