Les Bleus have a history of doing well on the international stage. The World Cup in Brazil will be their 14th appearance in football’s biggest competition. After putting on a very poor performance in South Africa, the French squad will be hopeful of doing much better this time around.
They have raised the title just once, and that came in 1998, when Zidane led his troops to glory in front of their own fans. A superb performance that year ended with six victories in seven matches, along with 15 goals scored and just two conceded.
Matching that will be difficult, but in a very favorable group, one would expect Didier Deschamps men to come out on top.
Getting into that group was far from easy for France. They were forced into a playoff against Ukraine, and after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, many believed that the likes of Benzema and Ribery would be watching the World Cup from home.
An inspired performance at the Stade de France on November 19, 2013 booked their spot in the World Cup. Two goals from Sakho and one from Benzema put an end to Ukraine’s dream, and lifted a nation that had almost lost all hope of their country being represented in Brazil.
Paul Pogba to control the midfield
When Pogba left Manchester United and signed for Juventus, not many people would have expected to see him turn into the player he is today. The Frenchman is a pivotal piece to the Italian side, and Didier Deschamps will expect him to do the same for Les Bleus.
His ability to get up and down the pitch will cause a lot of problems for any opposition. Not only does he have pace and an eye for goal, but he is also very strong on and off the ball. An injured Ribery will clearly be a concern for France, but that will just put more pressure on the rest of the squad to rise to the occasion.
On the way to Brazil
Deschamps has a squad of 23 players that many managers would wish to have. After making his final cuts, Marseille keeper and captain Steve Mandanda suffered an injury, which will force him to miss the World Cup. Also not on the flight to Brazil will be Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.
Nasri was not happy with the decision, nor was his girlfriend, who took the social media to show her frustration. Despite his absence, France will be expected to get out of the group without any significant issues, but that will require them all to be on the same page.
Deschamps returns to the World Cup
The 45-year-old will make his return to the big stage, but this time as a manager. Deschamps made 103 appearances for his country, while scoring four goals. This time around, he will not be scoring goals our tightening the laces on his boots. Instead, he will try to draw up the perfect strategy and tactics to guide his country to success.
Having already won the tournament in 1998, the Frenchman knows the pressure that him and his players will be up against. Dealing with that pressure will be fundamental, as will getting off to a good start in their first match against Honduras.
Where to watch Les Bleus
France will be the favorites to top their group, but that is not a guarantee. Stay up to date with their schedule, TV listings, broadcast information and much more on the France profile page.
