France head to the 2010 South Africa World Cup as one of the more solid footballing nations over the past decade or so and will hope to secure their second title this year. After finishing second to Italy in the 2006 World Cup final, France will hope to make this their year and go one step further.
After finishing second to Italy in the 2006 World Cup final, France will hope to make this their year and go one step further.
Les Blues as they are commonly known are constantly bringing about a new array of stars, and this year some youngsters will be hoping to make their mark on the international stage, and claim the 2010 World Cup as their rise to success.
France left their fans and supporters biting their nails until the final minutes of their play-off against Northern Ireland, booting the winning goal in extra-time to see them through to South Africa under somewhat controversial conditions. It was a shaky start on their road to the finals, but the French national side got the job done and overcame some sloppy performances against sides which should not cause World Champions any issues – however it should be remembered they did this on the way to the 2006 World Cup where they reached the final.
France drew Group A for the 2010 World Cup, where they will battle it out with Uruguay, Mexico and South Africa in what is one of the toughest groups to top. The South Americans will pose challenges, and with the adrenaline rush associated with being the host nation, South Africa will no doubt be strong too. The biggest test will be in the knockout stages where the French will most likely face either Argentina or Nigeria if all goes according to the statistics.
France’s Group A Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 2 | 11.06.10 | Uruguay V France | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 20.30 | 04.30 (12.06.10) |
| 18 | 17.06.10 | France V Mexico | Peter Mokaba Stadium, Pretoria | 20.30 | 04.30 (18.06.10) |
| 34 | 22.06.10 | France V South Africa | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | 16.00 | 00.00 (23.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
THIERRY HENRY (CAPTAIN)
Born: 17.08.1977 in Les Ulis, France
Height: 1.88 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Barcelona, La Liga
International Debut: Vs South Africa (11.10.1997)
Thierry Henry is the sole survivor of the 1998 World Cup winning side, and has been the skipper for France since 2008, with the upcoming world cup campaign realistically his last chance of lifting some international silverware. Henry has had a fantastic career also being part of France’s Euro 2000 win, and is the country’s top goal scorer of all time, a title he claimed way back in October 2007. With too many individual and domestic club honours to mention, Henry is a name many defenders fear and with just cause – so will head to South Africa to set the tournament alight and lead his side from the front.
WILLIAM GALLAS
Born: 17.08.1977 in Asnieres-sur-Seine, France
Height: 1.83 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Arsenal FC, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Slovenia (12.10.2002)
William Gallas has been a regular defender for France since the 2006 World Cup, helping see them through to the final, and also played in Euro 2008. Gallas scored the winning goal against Northern Ireland which saw France secure a place in South Africa, however it was under controversial circumstances as skipper Henry had previously handballed twice. Being one of the older and more experienced in the squad, Gallas will no doubt be that much more determined as he hits the pitch to prevent the ball from hitting his net, as this is most likely the last time the defender will play in a world cup.
NICOLAS ANELKA
Born: 14.03.1979 in Versailles, France
Height: 1.85 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Chelsea FC, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Sweden (22.04.1998)
Nicolas Anelka has been a regular player for France since he hit the world stage at Euro 2000 – when France walked away European and World Champions. As with many other squad members, this is most likely Anelka’s final international tournament, and as many wrote him off coming into the tournament, the 2009 FA Cup Top Scorer, and 2008-09 Barclays Golden Boot will certainly be a strong force up front for Les Bleus.
FRENCH SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Raymond DOMENECH |
| Goalkeepers | Cedric CARRASSO |
| Hugo LLORIS | |
| Steve MANDANDA | |
| Defenders | Eric ABIDAL |
| Gael CLICHY | |
| Patrice EVRA | |
| William GALLAS | |
| Marc PLANUS | |
| Anthony REVEILLERE | |
| Bakari SAGNA | |
| Sebastien SQUILLACI | |
| Midfielders | Abou DIABY |
| Alou DIARRA | |
| Yoann GOURCUFF | |
| Florent MALOUDA | |
| Jeremy TOULALAN | |
| Forwards | Nicolas ANELKDA |
| Djibril CISSE | |
| Andre Pierre GIGNAC | |
| Sidney GOVOU | |
| Thierry HENRY | |
| Franck RIBERY | |
| Mathieu VALBUENA |
