World Cup 2014 Preview: France – Can Les Bleus make waves in Brazil?

Les Blues

Surely it can’t be worse than last time can it? What about the time before that? The last two major international tournaments ended in disaster for the French national team and surely now the only way is up? 2010’s farcial campaign under Raymond Domenech was followed by a timid display at Euro 20120.

This time around Didier Deschamps is taking no chances, he has left bad boy Samir Nasri at home and he is has made sure to be taking player he believes in and that he knows will perform when required. France have been given a relatively easy group and in order to take part in the next round they will have to get past Switzerland, Honduras and Ecuador.

Good to know

Population: 66.4 million

Total World Cup appearances: 13 (they also qualified for the 1950 tournament but later withdrew)

Best Finish at a World Cup: Winners, 1998

Most Recent World Cup performance: Group Stage (2010)

Nickname: Les Bleus

Fun Fact: The French TGV has an average speed of 263.3 km/hr from station to station and is the fastest train in the world. (via whatthafact.com)

Player With The Most Caps: Lilian Thuram

World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickaël Landreau (Bastia)

Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Lucas Digne (PSG) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Clément Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loïc Rémy (Newcastle), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)

Manager: Didier Deschamps

Given the way he played for Manchester City this season, it would have taken a bold man to leave Samir Nasri out of his World Cup squad, but that is exactly what Didier Deschamps did.

The former Chelsea, Juventus and Marseille midfielder has made it clear that he will be picking his players based on character as the French squad already has more than enough talent.

Therefore, it came as no surprise to those who cover France to see Nasri missing from the 30-man squad.

Deschamps has named a number of players who were not involved in the fiasco of 2010 and is trying to promote the message of group harmony.

As long as peace is kept off the field, this tournament will be considered an improvement on 2010, which tore the country apart, and former World Cup winner Deschamps knows this, hence his selection

Star Player: Mathieu Valbuena

It may seem like a strange choice but few who watch France regularly would dispute the fact that the diminutive playmaker is vital for Les Bleus.

He gave an incredible performance for France in their 4-0 victory over Norway, registering three assists and his creativity will be key in helping France unlock stubborn defences.

With Franck Ribery’s form and fitness waning, it is up to Valbuena to pick up the mantle for France and with 89 chances created for Marseille this season he’s coming into the tournament in good form.

He also registered six assists in a Marseille side that generally underperformed this year and whilst he may not be blessed with pace, his brain works quicker than anyone else in this team.

Best Young Player (23 or below): Paul Pogba

Released by Manchester United amidst claims of a bad attitude but now arguably the best young midfielder in world football, this is one Sir Alex Ferguson definitely got wrong.

Since having been released by United, Pogba’s development with Juventus has been remarkable, displacing Claudio Marchisio in the heart of the midfield. His performances this season have, in fact, stoked interest elsewhere in England’s top division and Pogba has recently been linked with a Chelsea bid.

Predictions

France go into this tournament under little pressure after their showing in South Africa but an easy group has raised expectations to get into the second round.

With Pogba, Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann, there is a talented young group of players ready to deliver on the biggest stage. This squad is a big improvement on the one from two years ago and there no reason they cannot do well.

Given their group, France should be progressing to the next round as winners where they will face the runners-up in Group F. This is likely to be either Bosnia, Iran or Nigeria and again France will be confident. However, after that they could face the likes of Portugal, Germany or Belgium.