World Cup 2010: France Profile Goal.com

FRANCE	FFF (Fédération Française de Football)
Coach: Raymond Domenech Confederation: UEFA FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 7 Previous Appearances: 12 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006	Map

Background

In 1958, the French finished third with great players like Just Fontaine, who set the record of goals scored in a final phase of the World Cup with 13 goals. France also finished third in 1986 and fourth in 1982. Les Bleus won the World Cup on home soil against Brazil in 1998 (3-0) and finished second in 2006.

How Did They Qualify?

Not the greatest way to qualify we must admit. Thierry Henry's handball has been broadcast all over the world and a lot of people think that France should not be in South Africa. France has always struggled to qualify to these big events but is here for the fourth time in a row, a record for the country. They made a bad start by losing to Austria. They were unlucky in Romania where they only managed a draw and salvaged a point against Serbia where France played with ten men after Lloris was sent off in the 8th minute. Against Ireland in the play-offs, France had the opportunities to score two goals at Croke Park but were in danger of being eliminated in Paris. We all know what happened next...

Strengths

France have a great team...on paper. Their players ply their trade for the biggest clubs of the world (Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, OL, Barcelona), so the squad has potential to win the World Cup. France have a great attacking team with Anelka, Ribery, Henry, Benzema, and Gourcuff.

Weaknesses

Les Bleus have not found the good balance in central defence. Gallas is good but Abidal is not a central defender. So more than the quality of the players, the relationship on the pitch is not good. In France we think that Squillaci should be the central defender with Gallas. And finally we have Raymond Domenech, who is a major weakness!

The Coach

Raymond Domenech might be most hated person in the world of football. He has made a lot of errors in the past, less now but his management style is very unpredictable. There is not too much debate in France about the players he chooses but how he manages the team is a question that nobody can answer. It should be his last competition at the head of the team.

Star Men

Thierry Henry : This campaign against him is very unfair for a player who has been classy for all his career. World Cup 2010 is his last challenge in the national team jersey. He is simply the top goalscorer in the history of Les Bleus (51 goals) and should be the leader of the team. He is now the captain instead of Patrick Vieira.


Franck Ribery : The Bayern Munich winger has had a difficult season because of injuries. For a lot of observers he is the true leader on the pitch. France encountered a lot of difficulties to qualify because Ribery was not there, this is for sure.


Nicolas Anelka : He finally managed to go to a World Cup, his first appearance. He is in the shape of his life and showed it against Ireland. Anelka has never participated in this event and will be motivated to perform well. He is a leader on the pitch but not in the locker room.

Best XI

Best Footballing Moment

The two years that France dominated the world with the 1998 World Cup Victory at Stade de France and the Euro 2000 victory against Italy. It was the first time in history that a team won the World Cup and European Championships in a row.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: France is famous for its food, its beautiful country, Fashion, its contradictions. Les Bleus are also World Champions and Olympic Champions at handball. Paris is the most visited city in the world.

Most likely to: make a bad start in the competition and struggle in group phase before finally winning big matches...

World Cup Objective

France is there to win the World Cup. They have the players to do it, maybe not the coach though. But for sure France will be a team to avoid and do not fear any team. They key will be Ribery. If he is at full strength, then Les Bleus will not be far from the title again.