STAR WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA: Worldcup 2010 Group A : France

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Worldcup 2010 Group A : France

France

Coach: Raymond Domenech

Raymond Domenech is the current Head Coach of France, a position he has held since July 2004. He made his name as a player and manager at Lyon but it's his management style and bizarre player selections that have caused regular controversy. Domenech is a keen astrologer and famously froze out Robert Pires from the squad as he had a distrust of players with the zodiac star sign Scorpio!

World Cup 2010 Qualifying:

Perhaps the most controversial qualification. Having finished a point behind Serbia in Group Seven the French, led by Raymond Domenech, were paired with Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. A 1-0 win in Ireland was followed by a game of huge talking points in France, with the Irish going in front through Robbie Keane and taking the tie to extra-time. France won it, but with a goal from William Gallas that came from a blatant "double" handball from Thierry Henry. France coach Raymond Domenech was quoted "It was hard, laborious and indeed miraculous. I was sure we would make it though. We are happy, like the whole of France football. I knew we were going to make a 1-1 draw." Not sure the Irish will agree though!

Past World Cup Performance:

France will be making their 13th World Cup Finals appearance in South Africa with one World Cup win in their history. France were also one of the four European teams that participated at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay. In the 1980's, France boasted a great team inspired by playmaker Michel Platini as well as Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse, and Luis Fernandez. At the 1982 World Cup, France reached the semi-finals setting up a showdown with West Germany. The match is considered one of the greatest games in World Cup history with France eventually losing on penalties 5-4. At the 1986 World Cup, France were favorites to win the competition and for the second consecutive World Cup reached the semi-finals where again they met West Germany. This time around they lost 2-0 in normal time and a year later, their talisman Platini retired from both club and international football. In 1998 France met Brazil in the final and secured their first World Cup by winning 3-0 in front of their ecstatic fans at the Stade de France! The match will always be remembered for the controversy before kick-off regarding Brazil's stars striker Ronaldo who was believed to have suffered a seizure. Ronaldo did make the team but was unable to stop Zinedine Zidane scoring twice and Emmanuel Petit in the dying seconds to lead Les Bleus to victory! In 2006, Zidane once again inspired an ageing French team to the World Cup final where they met Italy. The game ended in a 1-1 draw in normal time and moved into extra time where Zidane in the final game of his career head-butted Marco Materazzi in the chest in an off-the-ball incident and was sent off! The match went to a penalty shoot-out and after David Trezeguet missed the advantage was with the Italian's. Fabio Grosso stepped up and scored the winning penalty for the Azzuri. In South Africa 2010 France have been drawn in Group A along with the hosts South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay. There is no doubt France have a squad of quality players and may be a good outside bet to progress deep into the competition once again!