On September 7, 2005, four days after a 3-0 victory against the Faroeas, thanks in particular to a double of Djibril Cissé, the French team won on the smallest of the scores in Ireland (0-1) in order to get closer to the qualification for the 2006 World Cup. While Zinedine Zidane was jostled by the violent Roy Keane in a harsh shock in Lansdow Road, Thierry Henry saved the Blues from an exceptional 25 -meter -rolled shot which deceived Shay Given, in the 68th minute.
Raymond Domenech and his players had distinguished themselves before the meeting by placing their right hand on the heart during the French national anthem. At the time, the behavior of tricolor internationals during La Marseillaise was closely scrutinized by viewers. And many were surprised by the communion of Lilian Thuram, Patrick Vieira, Sylvain Wiltord and others.
In reality, the Blues had been victims of a GĂ©rald Dahan hoax for Radio Rire and Songs. The humorist had called Zidane and Domenech the day before by pretending to be President Jacques Chirac, in order to ask the whole French team to display his commitment, especially during national hymns. So we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of this telephone hoax!
Zidane runs, Domenech takes it badly
The coach of the French team had taken this huge joke very badly. “I used to judge events with the result. The result is that it was an element to mobilize everyone. The players felt concerned. I will even go further: they were affected by an idea of ​​France. We often criticize them on this subject … This solidarity, this demonstration, I found it beautiful. I find almost a shame that it happened like that. It was a great moment of the French team. I don't regret it ”Domenech launched to the press. And conclude: “You have to accept to have been trapped by someone who thought it was funny. »»
“Not a day goes by without being told about it. I got used to it. It remains an honor. Do not complain, when you are an artist, to have such a huge tube. I had made hundreds of hoaxes, but he was perfect: he was funny, unifying, it didn't hurt anyone, it was seen all over the world. It's my Olympic medal to me ”reacted Dahan 16 years later to Ouest France.
