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manor15

Super Moderator⭐⭐
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8,859
France
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/France new kit.jpg
EMP-6010599.jpg

Manager: Raymond Domenech
Captain: Patrick Vieira (Thierry Henry is currently acting as captain)
FIFA Ranking: 10
Group A

Background: Currently hold the record for scoring the most goals in the finals stage of the World Cup, scoring thirteen goals as they finished third in 1958. They have since finished in the top four three times in the last six World Cups and this will be there record fourth consecutive World Cup, having finished as runners-up in 2006 and won in 1998.

Qualification: Many people are of the opinion that France should not be heading to South Africa this summer. Thierry Henry's double handball to set up Nicolas Anelka saved the French and put them through to the finals after it took a play-off against a strong Irish team to help them reach the finals after a bad start saw them lose to Austria before drawing against Romania and Serbia.

The Team
Strengths: Their team is packed with talent with players at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Lyon, particularly upfront with the likes of Gourcuff, Henry, Anelka, Nasri and Benzema who all provide goals and could be the only team to find the back of the net consistently in Group A.
Weaknesses: A lack of a centre-back to partner William Gallas. Eric Abidal has been covering there in recent times but clearly isn't a centre-back and struggles there, leaving a big gap. There is hardly any unity in the team and many see Raymond Domenech as the biggest weaking.
The Manager: Probably the most hated manager that will be in South Africa this summer and will most probably be leaving after the finals. He is so unpredictable it is unbelievable and although his squad selections are good his team selections and formations are often bizarre to say the least and any team spirit has now gone and Domenech is to blame, silly mistakes have cost France in recent times and a lot of them are Domenech's fault.

Star Men: Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
After a tough season saw him sent off in the Champions League semi-final and miss most of the World Cup qualifiers through injuries this could break the Frenchman if there isn't a big move like he desires before kick-off in South Africa. A quick, skillful winger who is also a natural leader in the side on his day and will bring a different aspect to France's game.
Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux)
The young Frenchman has been labelled the new Zidane and places in a very similar role; the ideal replacement. After an unsuccessful move to AC Milan, Gourcuff has something to prove to the world but his shining performances in qualifiers as an attacking central midfielder have made him a key player despite his inexperience.

manor15's Prediction
Quarter Finals. Les Bleus have the attacking power and strength in depth going forward to easily win the group and with the other sides in the group struggling for goals their defensive problems shouldn't cause a problem until the later rounds. However, Domenech could blow their whole campaign with one bizarre decision and the French have just got to hope he's on his best behaviour and thinks things through in order to see them progress.
 
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