I think the only memory I have of Odonkor too was the 2006 World Cup.

The good thing about France's is that it may be hard for them to be racially tagged since they make up majority unlike a country like Germany where people like Ozil are crucified when the team isn't doing well. Remember how he said it was the bane of his exit from the national team?

In all, the core of your piece says it all, multiculturalism wins.