France
Group G | World ranking: 8 Qualification: Won European Group 4
Coach: Raymond Domenech
Key Players: Zinedine Zidane (midfielder), William Gallas (defender), Thierry Henry (forward), David Trezeguet (forward)
Past Record: Winners 1998; Third place 1958, 1986, Fourth place 1982; Quarter-finals 1938 Group G Results:
June 13: Switzerland (0-0 | Report)
June 18: South Korea (1-1 | Report)
June 23: Togo (2-0 | Report) Knockout Stages:
June 27: Spain (3-1 | Report)
July 1: Brazil (1-0 | Report)
July 5: Portugal (1-0) | Report)
July 9: Italy (1-1 aet; Italy win 5-3 on penalties | Report) Knockout Stages Summary:
France put their lethargic group stage performances behind them in stunning fashion, coming from a goal down to eliminate in-form Spain with a revitalized Zinedine Zidane -- playing to postpone his retirement as long as possible -- capping the win with an accomplished last minute goal after Patrick Vieira clinched the winner with seven minutes left. Zidane was even better as France then ousted champions and favorites Brazil, providing the cross for Thierry Henry to volley home the only goal of the game. A nervous semifinal against a cynical Portugal failed to live up to the standards set in earlier knockout games but Zidane's penalty was enough to ensure that the three-time world footballer of the year's professional swansong will be the World Cup final. Group Summary:
Unimpressive in disjointed draws with Switzerland and South Korea, France only sealed their place in the last 16 with two second half goals in their final match with Togo. A second place finish behind Switzerland also leaves Raymond Domenech's side with the unenviable task of beating an in-form Spanish side if they are to progress any further, and with Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet yet to click, the 1998 champions are once again in danger of a premature exit. Pre-Tournament Preview:
Despite winning their tight qualifying group, courtesy of a 1-0 victory in Ireland which was to prove the only positive result between the top four sides, France have flattered to deceive under Domenech. His unbeaten 17-match reign, which included nine draws, came to an end with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Slovakia in March and there remains a feeling that France are going through a transition stage despite the decision of Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram to come out of retirement. However, they still possess world class players all over the pitch and the desire to avoid a repeat of their embarrassing early exit as champions four years ago will be immense. SquadGoalkeepers:
1. Mickael Landreau (Paris St Germain)
16. Fabien Barthez (Marseille)
23. Gregory Coupet (Lyon) Defenders:
2. Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle)
3. Eric Abidal (Lyon)
5. William Gallas (Chelsea)
13. Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United)
15. Lilian Thuram (Juventus)
17. Gael Givet (Monaco)
19. Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich)
21. Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan) Midfielders:
4. Patrick Vieira (Juventus)
6. Claude Makelele (Chelsea)
7. Florent Malouda (Lyon)
8. Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain)
10. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)
18. Alou Diarra (Lens) Forwards:
9. Sydney Govou (Lyon)
11. Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)
12. Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
14. Louis Saha (Manchester United)
20. David Trezeguet (Juventus)
22. Franck Ribery (Marseille)
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