Two unpredictable twists have left Les Bleus reeling, but they will come out stronger for the experience, as they prepare to take part in next summer's Euro 2016, says Loic Tanzi.
Time can sometimes leave indelible marks. It can often force plans, which seemed clear just a few weeks before, to change dramatically.
Didier Deschamps, the coach of the France national side since 2012, has always thought long term in his mission. The former Marseille coach knows perfectly where he wants to lead his men and how he wants to get them to that target. But time has done its work and the certainties of one day are not those of tomorrow.