July 14 is a special day in France. On this day, in 1789, the revolution to overthrow a decadent, depraved and profligate monarchy began.
Dhaka, like many other cities, also experienced Bastille Day celebrations. The hope was that on this day, France cannot and should not lose.
But when mortals make assertions, they forget there are far more potent forces at play, influencing the outcome of all human endeavours.
In Dhaka, an overwhelming number of football lovers felt Les Bleus would go home with a victory but as I had written several times before, Spain moves stealthily but assuredly.
France looked the nervous side in the match and not Spain. The spellbinding Tiki taka was on full display, and the Spaniards seemed to have taken the pace out of the French.
Mbappe looked more disturbed than focused. That early penalty that France conceded must have irked him.
It’s not that France did not get the chance to score but the night was not in their favour.
An open net was squandered as the goalkeeper came out. A shot at goal then hit the retreating keeper on the leg and went out.
Talk about the stars deciding not to favour France. All throughout the tournament The Musketeers played slick football.
They were fast, coherent and razor sharp. Sadly, on July 14 (15 July BST), the perfect side looked edgy. The usual cheerful demeanour was not there, and the players wore a sombre look.
Spain on the other side looked on top of their game: classy, scintillating and sharp.
The score would have been bigger if Yamal’s goal was not disallowed. This is one player to look out for in the next World Cup.
Lamine Yamal is still very young, but he is a prodigy and has all the hallmarks of a Spanish Lionel Messi. If he is not injured and maintains the form, Yamal will be the star in 2030.
France has had a terrific run, in world football since 2018 and eight years later, they need to come to terms with the fact that their dominance will now be on the fall.
No team, no matter how strong and cohesive, can dominate a sport forever. That law applies to all aspects of life, starting from sport to entertainment to politics.
In the early 80s, under Platini, the French had a glory run, in the late 90’s under Zidane, and under Kylian Mbappe they experienced a football apotheosis.
This is not to say France will be disappear anytime soon. They will try to make a comeback in four years, that’s certain.
But the signs of a golden age slowly moving towards a decline are palpable.
Spain on the other hand is on the rise and whoever their opponent is in the final, the Armada will head to battle with victory in mind.
Once more, it’s the divine intervention, that we must never forget.
No matter how good you are, if Zeus and his lot decide against you then the best effort may still not be enough!
