French Coach Spurns S. African Coach after Match

The official motto of the 2010 World Cup is "Celebrate Africa's Humanity."

Apparently the French soccer team never got the memo.

After losing to the host nation 2-1 Tuesday, France coach Raymond Domenech refused to shake hands with South African coach Alberto Parreira.

After the final whistle, which eliminated both teams from the tournament, Parreira extended his hand to his counterpart. But Domenech spurned the South African coach and waved a finger at him.

According to an assistant coach for France, Domenech was apparently ticked off that Parreira once said the French team should never have qualified for the tournament.

Maybe Parreira was right.

France has been a disaster on and off the field. Les Bleus mustered just one goal in the group stage and were besieged by in-fighting.

First Domenech and the French Federation sent star striker Nicolas Anelka home for an explicative-laced tirade against the coach at halftime of the 2-0 loss to Mexico.

Then the players went on strike, refusing to train on Sunday to protest Anelka's absence.

On Tuesday, Domenech dropped captain Patrice Evra from the lineup for leading the player strike.

Tuesday's match was Domenech's last as coach.

Quel dommage!