World Cup 2010 France Draw Analysis: Les Blues Avoid Big Guns

Les Blues should be confident of a long run at the World Cup...

There were mixed emotions regarding France ahead of the draw, with some considering them lucky to even be involved, while others believing that they should have been among the top seeds.

With the groups having been drawn though, there is no doubt that Les Blues will be confident of making the knockout stage, preferably in first place. South Africa are the team that everyone wanted, and France will be pleased not to have to play them in the opening fixture, although if the hosts start well, it could turn into a virtual knockout match.

As for Mexico and Uruguay, both teams stuttered through qualifying, much like France. Like Les Blues, both have talented squads on paper, but have yet to discover their true potential, although Javier Aguirre has improved Mexico's fortunes.

All in all, while there are easier groups (Group C comes to mind), France will be cautiously optimistic of progressing as group winners, having avoided a 'Group of Death' scenario.

There should be plenty more celebrations for Les Blues in South Africa

Assuming Argentina and France both top their groups, they will avoid each other in the second round, but that is far from guaranteed given their recent struggles. A slip-up for either side could set up a blockbuster clash between two teams who are as famous for their football as their madcap managers. Otherwise, either one of South Korea, Nigeria or Greece lie in wait, all of whom would be severe underdogs.

Further on, France will be pleased that Brazil, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and the Ivory Coast are all on the other side of the draw, and will be avoided until the semi-finals, but there are still plenty of tricky opponents in wait. Both England and Germany have plenty of history against Les Blues, and one of them will need to be beaten if Raymond Domenech's side are to get to the semis.

Once there, France are likely to play either Brazil or Spain, both of whom are also likely candidates as an opponent for the showpiece final. Of course, there are plenty of other strong teams capable of reaching that stage from the other side of the draw, but the most likely prediction sees La Furia Roja lying in wait for Les Blues, should they get to the final.

It will be a disaster for France if they do not progress from this group, so their biggest positive for the draw will be the avoidance of most of the big guns on the side until the semis. There are still enough challenges on the road to the final, of course, but if they can find top form come June, the stage is set for Les Blues to make a major impact in this tournament.