AFP, Porto Alegre :
France begin their World Cup campaign against Honduras on Sunday in Porto Alegre looking to wipe away the memories of four years ago when an unruly squad returned home shamed after picking up just one point from three matches against Uruguay, Mexico and South Africa. Here, AFP sports looks at why things should be different this time.
1. Young talent
Many believe this French squad will be even stronger come
the European Championships in 2016, but the fresh faces like Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba of Juventus and PSG’s Blaise Matuidi have already shown they are capable of winning now at the top level of European football.
2. Deschamps’ discipline
The 2010 debacle was overseen by the eccentric Ramond Domenech who had lost the players’ confidence before arriving in South Africa. This time round the captain of the 1998 World Cup winning side Didier Deschamps is in charge and commands a respect from his charges that Domenech never received.
3. Bad influences eradicated
Apart from full-back Patrice Evra, the players who
threatened to strike after Nicholas Anelka was sent home in South Africa have been weeded out the squad. Even after a stunning season for Manchester City, Samir Nasri wasn’t included for the perceived bad influence he could have.
4. Open draw
Despite not being seeded, France ended up with a fine draw
along side Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. Moreover, should they top the group they ought to avoid Argentina and have a manageable last 16 tie with Nigeria, Bosnia or Iran.
5. Benzema’s time to shine
With the injured Franck Ribery out of the tournament, French hopes will fall on the shoulders of Karim Benzema. The 26-year- old has largely flattered to deceive in major tournaments so far, but fresh from winning the Champions League in his best ever season for Real Madrid, Benzema appears to now have the maturity to match his talent and make a big impact.
