France

France’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been completely overshadowed by Thierry Henry’s handball against the Republic of Ireland in their play-off match up last November and threatens to make life much harder for the French than it already is.

Manager Raymond Domenech has been under fire all through qualifying for some lacklustre displays resulting in the side only making the play-offs rather than automatically getting to South Africa.

It remains to be seen how Henry’s handball will affect the side but star players like William Gallas and Henry himself will be expected to put their poor form behind them and get at least to the semi-finals in June.

Star Man - Franck Ribery

Linked with nearly all the top sides in Europe last summer, Ribery could well be playing for a move away from Bayern Munich in South Africa.

A real threat on the wings he'll be looking to punish every full back that he comes up against.

After a poor World Cup from him in 2006 he'll be out to prove he is worthy of being a former World Player of the Year nominee and to do that he'll need to bring France out of their current dip in form.

Coach - Raymond Domenech

Not the most popular man in France right now, Domenech would surely have lost his job if it wasn't for William Gallas' controversial goal that sealed their place in the World Cup Finals.

Domenech has been under pressure since early on in his reign and his side's every pass will be with scrutinized.

The Frenchman also has obscure astrological reasons behind his team selection, "When I have got a Leo in defence, I've always got my gun ready, as I know he's going to want to show off at one moment or another and cost us." says Domenech.

But the FFA's gun could be ready to fire Domenech should the side disappoint in South Africa.

One to Watch - Yoann Gourcuff

Bordeaux youngster Gourcuff is a welcome addition to the line up for French coach Raymond Domenech as the fleet footed attacking midfielder is beginning to show some of the ability that won him a move to AC Milan in 2006.

Now back in France after his unsuccessful stint in Italy, his form for Bordeaux over the last two seasons has been superb and the French national side are thankful they finally have a player who is even half as capable of filling the gap between midfield and attack which Zinedine Zidane vacated after the 2006 World Cup Final.

Gourcuff has already gained 17 caps for Les Bleus and should he live up to his potential in South Africa many more will follow.
Odds to win - 12/1

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