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A to Z of WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - France
FRANCE:
There is some degree of uncertainty regarding the number of Irish ex-pats living and working in South Africa. However no such uncertainty surrounds the likelihood of even a single one of them cheering on the French team when they take the field against Uruguay in the opening match of their World Cup Finals campaign. The play-off debacle in Paris, against the Republic, is both well-documented and indicative of the French team’s struggle to get to South Africa. Morale sapping losses and uninspiring victories saw them come second in their group and an eventual play-off against the Irish. Even French intellectuals were moved to deplore the manner of Les Bleus’ ticket to what will be their thirteenth appearance in the World Cup Finals. In the 18 previous tournaments France’s record shows 1 victory (like England) in 1998, beaten finalists in 2006 (lost 3-1 to Italy), two 3rd places (’58 and ’86), one 4th. Place (’82), one quarter-final elimination in 1938, six Round 1 exits and an equal number of failures to qualify. France were one of the original participants in the inaugural tournament in 1930. Indeed here the first ever World Cup goal was scored by a Frenchman, Lucien Laurent, in their 4-1 defeat of Mexico.
Raymond Domench has been manager of the national side since 2004, following their elimination at the quarter-final stage in Euro ’04 at the hands of Greece. Domench’s most notable achievement was to persuade Makelei, Thurman and Zinedine Zidane to come out of retirement and propel France to the World Cup Final in 2006 where they lost 5-3 to Italy in a penalty shoot-out. Since then under Domench’s less than inspired leadership, the team has struggled to please fans and the media alike. Many see the up-coming tournament as his swansong. Stand-in captain Thierry Henry, 51 goals in 117 appearances, has sullied his reputation with the handball incidents in Paris and is no longer in the full flush of youth! The same could be said for a number of the side. Defensively William Gallas (Arsenal) and Patrice Evra (Man. Utd.) are approaching the latter stages of their international careers. Much will rest on the shoulders of Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery, 80/1 with PaddyPower to be top scorer, and Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka whom William Hill quote at 40/1 for the Golden Boot award.
Alongside France in Group A are Uruguay, Mexico and the hosts South Africa. The French are 11/10 with Ladbrokes to win this group whilst Bluesquare have them at 3/1 not to progress beyond the group stage. More optimistically, Skybet anticipate elimination at the semi-final stage with odds of 6/1. A third Final appearance can be had at 14/1 with Betfred, with outright victory at 16/1 with Boylesports. For those whose tastes run to ‘Le Crunch’, an England–France final is on offer at 40/1 with Totesport.
Posted: Sunday, February 7th, 2010 @ 10:02 am by Mark
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