Soccer pundits observe that France may struggle to get out of the group E with Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador but with creative talents like Frank Ribery, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzama France may go beyond even go beyond quarter finals if they manage to advance from the group. France surprised many in winning the world cup in 1998 with Zinadin Zidane magic. But they looked pretty ordinary in the qualification for the world cup. The lackluster performances of the Les Blues in the lead up to the world cup broke the moral of many fans all over the world. France and its fans would like to see a resurgence of French football after their dismal performance four years ago at South Africa in FIFA World Cup 2010.
France had to appear in two round playoff with impressive Ukraine to qualify from their group. They had their backs to the wall after a 0-2 defeat against Ukraine at Kiev. But to the great relief of their fans they got the ticket to Brazil beating Ukraine at home by 3-0. The new French sensation Mamdou Sakho scoring twice in that must win match by a higher margin than they conceded at Kiev.
It is very encouraging for French football that very talented like Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba have emerged. They together with man below the bar Hugo Lloris and glittering winger Frank Ribery may drive France deep in to world cup with only a little bit of luck going their way. Looking at the history of France football, it will not be wise to write off the team at any major tournament including this world cup.
Having replaced Laurent Blanc after EURO 2012 Didier Deschamps has returned as coach for FIFA world cup 16 years after lifting the trophy as captain. Though his style of play may not please many who believe in the beauty of the game, his workman like manner pleased the think-tank of France. He has selected the squad he reckons gives France the best chance of success:
Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris St-Germain), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris St-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St-Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus) Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
The omission of Manchester City’s Samir Nasiri has been questioned. But with many dynamic midfielders at his disposal Deschamps had little choice.
Excluding Manchester City’s Nasiri left fans in England reeling, although it came as little surprise to those in France. Didier Deschamps has dropped a number of hints to suggest he was always going to overlook the tempestuous attacking midfielder, and in many ways, was commended for sticking to his guns.
The inclusion of Remy Cabella preferring him over Clement Grentier or Moussa Sissoko is a bold decision.
Karim Benzema is showing himself to be the finished product, able to conjure with both feet and his head. In the form of his career, he’s going into this World Cup with agility, focus and hunger. Olivier Giroud’s return of 27 goals from 70 appearances for Arsenal may be little better than average at this level, but he’ll definitely add to his tally of five international goals this summer.
Franck Ribery is regarded as one of the best attacking players in the world. He is an arsenal of tricks with the ability to thread the ball through the eyes of numerous cleat –covered needles and pace. He is one of few players who when gets a ball, one would have wait in anxiety to see whether he sends in a cross or dribble past four or five before unleashing a shot.
Blaise Matuidi is another player to watch. His superb strength makes him hold possession. He is independently electric, yet a wonderful team player. He has the self-confidence and mental fortitude which are so essential in such a top tournament.
Paul Pogba is a modern day defensive midfielder, tall, athletic, tough and skillful. He does not hesitate to unleash from outside the box. He awarded Europe’s “golden boy“ for the best young player of the continent in 2013. Pogba’s combination with Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye in the center midfield will be the key to unlocking the attacking talents of Ribery, Benzama and Valbuena in front of them.
France has to finish on top of the group to avoid meeting the tournaments favorites Argentina in the group of 16. Seeded side Switzerland is the only challenge for them in the group. The other two teams in the group Ecuador and Honduras are not expected to create headaches. But still France must not have any complacency.
Even the die heart fans of France would not expect any magic from this France team especially when they have to play in different difficult environment and climate in South America against very classy South American teams. But the team has enough in its arsenal to put the best of the best to some tests. Whether France can surprise the pundits will be an interesting matter to wait and see.
BDST: 1125 HRS, MAY 22, 2014
