On Second Thought, He’s Terrific

L’Equipe, the daily French sports newspaper, has called a truce in its harsh criticism of French Coach Aime Jacquet.

The newspaper has missed no chance to criticize Jacquet’s tactics and his choice of players, and he has often fired back stinging replies in which he referred to “certain journalists” whom he called dishonest.

But Thursday, even L’Equipe had to concede Jacquet has done a good job.

“We have sufficiently and clearly expressed our mistrust in his regard before this World Cup to not have today the duty to pay him tribute,” it said. “We doubted his ability to accompany this exceptional team to the highest level and yet he has done it, in his own way. We continue to not share his basic tactics for the game and to regret deeply certain choices, but, in matters of sport, there’s no doubt it’s the result that counts. And the result, it’s Jacquet and his men who have done what no one before them has done, in following their road without flinching. Bravo.”

ANGELS IN THE MIDFIELD?

The folks at L’Equipe also had nice things to say about Brazilian forward Ronaldo.

“Ronaldo is a synthesis, the only one actually active,” it said. “He dribbles, he creates, he perforates [defenses], he scores. Ronaldo is an angel descended upon the field to bring a message of happiness and beauty.”