Can Gourcuff lead France to victory at World Cup?

Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

When people think of the 2006 World Cup final, they will remember how France’s talismanic hero Zinedine Zidane infamously ended his career with a headbutt of Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Zidane got a straight red card and France lost the final on penalties to Italy.

In the 2010 World Cup, they will be looking right the wrongs of four years ago as they try to do one better.

But with key players like Zinedine Zidane and Claude Mekelele now retired from international football, will they be able to make the same impact?

Here’s a preview of France going into the World Cup that will kick off on June 11th.

World Cup Pedigree
At the turn of the millennium, France were the team to beat after winning their first and only World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000. However, the number one team in the world at that time turned in a dismal performance in the 2002 World Cup as they failed to qualify from the group stage. They finished with only one point from three games.

Qualification
It hasn’t been an easy journey to the World Cup for France. While on paper their European qualification group looked easy, France could only finish second to Serbia and needed a playoff against Ireland to secure their World Cup berth.

France looked to be headed to South Africa after claiming a 1-0 victory in the first leg, but the Irish came out fighting in the second leg, forcing extra-time with a Robbie Keane goal in the 33rd minute. However, William Gallas sent France through to the final when he met Theirry Henry’s cross. In the buildup to the cross, Henry handled the ball — not once — but twice.

Achievement in 2006 World Cup
France scraped through to the second round of the 2006 World Cup as runners-up of their group after Zidane and Co. could only register two draws and one win.

They faced Spain in the round of 16 where they came from a goal down to win 3-1.

It did not get easier in the quarter-final as they went up against defending champions Brazil, but the result was the same. Thierry Henry was the hero against the footballing giants, scoring the only goal of the match in the 57th minute.

In the semi-finals, it was Zidane’s turn to be the hero as he scored the solitary goal in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot against Portugal to send France through to the final.

France took the lead in the final against Italy through another Zidane penalty, but the Italians fought back to make it 1-1. After Zidane was sent off for headbutting Materazzi, the Italians eventually won the World Cup 5-3 on penalties.

Coach
The coach that brought France to the final in their last outing is back for more. Raymond Domenech, coach since July 12, 2004, has been widely criticised for his questionable selection methods which includes using astrology to aid team selections. He also seems to have a knack for falling out with important players.

However, he did convince Zinedine Zidane and a few other key players to come out of international retirement before the 2006 World Cup, resulting in France’s run to the final.

After a woeful Euro 2008 campaign, Domenech will be looking to redeem himself.

Captain
Patrice Evra was handed the captain’s arm just this past week with ex-captain Thierry Henry relegated to the bench.

He will be leading France with about six years of international football experience under his belt.

Players to Watch
Yoann Gourcuff — Gourcoff has been hailed as the new Zinedine Zidane, especially after scoring a sensational Zidane-like goal for Bordeaux against Paris St Germain. French fans voted that the goal of the season. Gourcuff was also named the French Player of the Year in December 2009 and Domenech has put him into the playmaker role vacated by Zidane.

Hugo Lloris — The 24-year-old Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper has big gloves to fill after the international retirement of Fabien Barthez.

He only has 11 caps for his country but has gained plenty of recognition for his performance against Ireland in the playoffs.

Franck Ribery — The Bayern Munich winger was one of the essential pieces in France’s run to the 2006 World Cup final and after the retirement of Zinedine Zidane, some believe he is now France’s talisman.

Ribery has also been outstanding throughout the season for his club with his sprints down the flanks and pin-point crosses. Although he missed out on the Championship League final through suspension, he was one of the key players who helped his club reach the final.

He offers an explosive option for France down the wings and his trickery and skill will no doubt be an important puzzle piece in his country’s World Cup campaign.

Thierry Henry — Thierry Henry needs no formal introduction. He is a proven goal scorer for both Arsenal and Barcelona and has scored 51 goals in 121 appearances for his country. This will be his fourth World Cup for France.

Henry literally played a hand in his country’s qualification with his blatant handball leading up to the winning goal in the playoff against Ireland.

Recently, he was stripped of the captain’s armband and was only played as a substitute in France’s disappointing World Cup warm-ups. However, he has accepted the decision.

But is putting France’s most proven goal scorer on the bench a wise decision? Only time will tell.

Team Strengths
A solid midfield is the strength of this team. While some might question their backline and strike force, nobody should doubt the quality of midfielders in France’s arsenal. Playing in a 4-3-3 formation, a midfield of Alou Diarra, Yoann Gourcuff, Franck Ribery, Jeremy Toulalan and Florent Malouda is more than equipped to take on any opponent. With Abou Diaby providing an additional option off the bench, France’s midfield is well covered.

The squad also has a couple of gems in Franck Ribery and Thierry Henry. Their experience will be one of the key factors if France are to go far in this tournament.

Team Weaknesses
With just days before the World Cup, the central defensive pairing of William Gallas and Eric Abidal is yet to be fully comfortable with each other. France has to fix this if they are to have a long run in the World Cup.

At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has been playing as a lone striker in France’s last three matches and the result has not been positive. France missed plenty of chances in their 2-1 win over Costa Rica, needed a late goal from William Gallas to salvage a 1-1 draw against Tunisia, and suffered a 0-1 defeat against China.

Overall Squad Strength
Many of the French players ply their trade at the best clubs in the world and players like Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka have the quality to turn the game on its head. There is also depth in the squad with younger players Jeremy Toulalan and Yoann Gourcuff coming through to the first team.

Probable Starting 11
Hugo Lloris (GK, Olympique Lyonnais); Bacary Sagna (full back, Arsenal), Eric Abidal (centre back, Barcalona), William Gallas (centre back, Arsenal), Patrice Evra (full back, Manchester United) (captain); Franck Ribery (winger, Bayern Munich), Alou Diarra (midfielder, Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (midfielder, Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (midfielder, Olympique Lyonnais), Florent Malouda (winger, Chelsea); Nicolas Anelka (striker, Chelsea)

1st Round Predictions
France are grouped with hosts South Africa, Uruguay and Mexico. They will open their campaign against Uruguay and they should have no problem qualifying for the second round because of their strong squad.

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

GROUP A	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
URUGUAY	3	2	1	0	4	0	+4	7
MEXICO	3	1	1	1	3	2	+1	4
SOUTH AFRICA	3	1	1	1	3	5	-2	4
FRANCE	3	0	1	2	1	4	-3	1

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For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

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