France tries for a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup as they look to win another Cup since their last in 1998. In 2006, Zinedine Zidane, Fabien Barthez, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram all called time on their international careers. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have France listed as 20/1 odds underdogs to win FIFA World Cup 2010 . Be sure to get your FIFA World Cup Predictions in at BODOG.com . Here is your FIFA World Cup 2010 Odds Preview: France
France looks to get back to their winning ways that had them World Cup Champs in 1998. But, from then to now the French have been nothing but a disappointment. Just like the team's previous World Cup qualifying campaign, the 2010 campaign got off to a disappointing start with the France suffering disastrous losses and earning uninspired victories. France eventually finished second in the group and earned a spot in the UEFA play-offs against the Republic of Ireland for a place in South Africa. In the first leg, France defeated the Irish 1–0 and in the second leg procured a 1–1 draw, via controversial circumstances, to qualify for the World Cup.
The unconvincing nature of France's performances have dampened expectations that they can succeed in the tournament and Gourcuff says it is down to the players to make their new 4-3-3 system work on the pitch. "We're ready, we're very motivated," he said. "We'll have to work, we'll have to make adjustments and watch the video (analysis) to create understanding (between the players) and make adjustments between us in attacking and defensive areas." Bordeaux star Gourcuff says he and his fellow creative midfielders Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery need to shoulder more of the attacking burden. "We were a bit too slow in the transitions (against China)," he said. "And on crosses, we need a bit more presence in front of goal to help Nico (Anelka), who's often at the near post. It would be good if there were three or four of us in the penalty area on crosses." They failed to keep a clean sheet in their FIFA World Cup warm-up games, conceding three goals against Costa Rica, Tunisia and China. Les Bleus have been lambasted in the French press after Friday's defeat to China, a nation ranked 84th in the world. The defeat capped a series of disappointing results which has seen them held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia and come from behind to narrowly beat Costa Rica 2-1. However, Abidal is looking at the positives. France is in Group A with Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa.
Thierry Henry has taken the captain’s armband, with William Gallas the leader at the back and both Jeremy Toulalan and Lassana Diarra indispensable in midfield. Meanwhile, the emergence of Yoann Gourcuff, the talent of Franck Ribery and the rejuvenation of Nicolas Anelka have given the coach a variety of options in attack , where Karim Benzema, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Florent Malouda and Loic Remy will also be hoping to feature.
Point-Spreads.com FIFA World Cup 2010 Odds Preview: France
The Bottom Line: They won’t go far with their cocky attitudes. Be sure to get your FIFA World Cup 2010 Odds Preview: France in early at BODOG.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
