In Group A with South Africa, Uruguay, and Mexico
Appearances: 12 appearances. Won in 1998. Last appearance was in 2006 (Runners-up).
Current FIFA Ranking (As of Feb.3 2010): 7
Captain: Thierry Henry (Striker)
Leading Scorer in Qualifying: Henry, Andre-Pierre Gignac (4 goals each)
Key Injuries: Gignac (leg injury, out until mid-March), Eric Abidal (leg injury, out until May)
Key Retirements since 2006: Fabien Barthez (Keeper), Zinedine Zidane (Midfielder), Claude Makelele (Midfielder), Lilian Thuram (Center Back), Willy Sagnol (Right Back)
Team Overview: The French enter this year's World Cup with a lot of controversy after Henry's handball that knocked Ireland out of qualifying.
Their biggest strength is perhaps their sheer luck. Besides the Henry handball, France was also lucky enough to be in a soft group. Mexico is the second highest ranked team in the group, but at number 17 in the world. France did not look very convincing during their other qualifying games, winning by only one goal or tying the opponent in 9 of their 12 matches. This can be attributed to the retirements of five key players from their 2006 World Cup team including three-time world player of the year Zinedine Zidane.
The French are in transition in most of their defensive group and midfielders. 23-year-old Hugo Lloris has been asked to replace Fabien Barthez, who is widely regarded as the best keeper France has ever had. Lloris has not disappointed, allowing only one goal in France's 2-1 aggregate win over Ireland and only four goals in his six qualifying matches. Lloris is also the reigning French league goalkeeper of the year.
France's midfielders are an extremely talented group. Franck Ribery is one of the best in the world and Yoann Gourcuff is growing quickly into a world class player. Recent comments by head coach Raymond Domenech have also indicated that old captain team Patrick Viera could return if he is able to get into form by June. Viera's experience and toughness are invaluable to a young, inexperienced, and small midfield.
The clear strength on the French squad is the trio of talented strikers, handballs aside: Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Karim Benzema. All three are gifted with the ball and have powerful shots. Expect Henry and Anelka to start while Benzema will replace whoever looks out of form during the World Cup. Andre-Pierre Gignac could also be in the mix once he gets healthy. They open in a group where all the teams are weaker in the back so expect some points to be scored early in France's favor.
Player to watch: The player that must play well for France to succeed is attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff. The 23-year-old has already drawn comparisons to French legend Zidane due to his smooth style of play, his technical gifts on the ball and his great vision. He led the team with five assists during the qualifying campaign. His attacking midfield position, Zidane's old spot, puts him directly behind the main striker on the field which will allow him many touches on the ball. With his ability and the talented strikers in front of him, look for Gourcuff to be one of the revelations on this year's World Cup.
Prediction: Quarterfinal loss to England
The final squad will not be announced until June 10 but here is a small list of players in the running to make the team.
Match Schedule
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