France World cup squad analysis

France soccer squad analysis:

France world cup squad has everything and has nothing. France team comprises of soccer stars from famous football clubs who can win matches on their own but they rarely play like a team. France went to South Africa by keeping hopes on one of the weakest coaches.

It qualified to world cup in unceremonious circumstances (Thierry Henry’s handball). Its recent form is patchy. But, France has many outstanding players. If they can play like a team, they can beat any team on their day.

Group A: France, South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay

FIFA Ranking: 9

Squad rating: 7/10

World cup history: Won world cup in 1998 and reached finals in 2006 but failed to make it to second round in 2002 FIFA world cup despite having so many stars. France played in 12 FIFA world cups.

Qualification: Qualified to 2010 world cup under controversial circumstances on last day by beating Ireland in play-off (hand ball!)

France soccer squad for 2010 FIFA World cup:

Coach: Raymond Domenech

Wicket-keepers:

1. Hugo Lloris:

2. Steve Mandanda

3. Cedric Carrasso

Defenders:

1. Eric Abidal:

2. Patrice Evra:

3. William Gallas:

4. Gael Clichy

5. Anthony Reveillere

6. Marc Planus

7. Sebastien Squillaci

8. Bacary Sagna

Mid-fielders:

1. Franck Ribery

2. Yoann Gourcuff

3. Florent Malouda

4. Abou Diaby

5. Alou Diarra

6. Jeremy Toulalan

Forwards:

1. Nicolas Anelka:

2. Thierry Henry:

3. Djibril Cisse

4. Sidney Govou

5. Mathieu Valbuena

6. Andre-Pierre Gignac

Positives:

1. Many players are world-class in their positions. Players like Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema and Patrick Vierra failed to make even to provisional squad.

2. Hugo Lloris is best goal keeper in world along with Julio Cesar on current form.

3. Yoann Gourcuff is a world class mid-fielder along with Frank Ribery.

Negatives:

1. Weak coach and poor strategies

2. Poor form. France failed to reach knockout stage at Euro 2008.

3. Lack of cohesion among defenders. France won 1998 world cup on sound defence.

4. Injury to Lasanna Diarra

5. France may find it difficult to beat teams like Spain, England, Argentina and Brazil in knock-out stages.

6. Tough group due to improvement in form of Uruguay and South Africa.

7. Famed stars rarely played well for their country

Final Verdict:

France is in tough group. France FIFA rank is 10 while Mexico rank is 17 and Uruguay rank is 16. South Africa is a host. High altitude stadiums in South Africa suit Mexicans while Uruguay forwards are in scintillating form in recent days. South Africa has home advantage and is improving rapidly.

France may reach second round. After that, it will depend on opponent and how these stars play as a team. France will face Nigeria/Greece in second round. France may face England in quarter-finals. If France finishes second in group A, it may face Argentina in second round.

France team rating: 7/10

France coach rating: 5/10