France crossed a new threshold in qualifying for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, having never before graced the finals on four consecutive occasions.
Les Bleus have become a regular presence in recent years, having earned a reputation as one of world football’s leading teams since the late 1990s. France won the trophy on home soil in 1998, and despite a drop in standards in 2002, reached the final in 2006.
Les Bleus can call upon some of the biggest names in world football, with a seemingly endless production line of young talents having unearthed the likes of Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff in recent seasons.
The road to South Africa
It took a controversial extra-time goal in their play-off with Ireland to send France through to the finals, after they had finished second in qualifying Group 7 of the European Zone.
Pipped to first spot by Serbia, frustrated by Romania and given problems by Lithuania, Raymond Domenech’s charges showed glimpses of their vulnerability during the qualifiers. Pessimists will focus on the team’s troubles in securing a ticket to the main event, while optimists will recall that they also flirted with disaster ahead of Germany 2006.
Star players
A new selection of senior figures has stepped forward, with sole France 1998 survivor Thierry Henry taking the captain’s armband. Jeremy Toulalan and Lassana Diarra are indispensable in midfield, while Yoann Gourcuff, Franck Ribery Nicolas Anelka and Karim Benzema make up one of the most potent attacks at the tournament.
The coach
In the position since 2004, Domenech has yet to lift silverware with Les Bleus, but he is now the country’s longest serving national coach and can point to a World Cup final as the highlight of his career.
Soccer World Cup Record
- France have appeared in 12 tournament, winning on home soil in 1998. They also managed third-place finishes in 1958 and 1986, as well as fourth spot in 1982.