The Question! [R]

[gaijin]

So how far can France go in the WC? :confused: :cool:

[gaijin]

I should really have put 3rd/4th place on there as well.

Oh well, let's just say that counts for being a semi-finalst as well.

I think QF is a realisitic aim for France, especially if they can all stay fit and healthy. Anything else would surely be a bonus in this time of change?

[ilv2]

i voted last 16. we have a squad with ability, no doubt, but recent performances have not been the most encouraging and especially with domenech still managing the side, I have a feeling we will struggle to make it past the group stage and then fall to a side that has its ******** together, for lack of better words.

[jambon-beurre]

An honourable elimination in QF, that's all I ask ... A 0-1 against Italy or Germany would be OK for example (but not against Brazil or England, they would be too happy :p). If they manage to go to the semis, the WC will be a success, and if they go out before the quarter-finals, it'll be a disappointment ... (I prefer not to talk about an possible elimination in group stage ;) )

[MicFW]

Your coach might be a serious obstacle, but I still think with Zidane on board les Bleus will do fine next year. There are few teams that are distinctly better, Brazil of course, maybe Argentina and Holland. England have a competitive squad with some outstanding players too.
Italy, Portugal and the Czech Republic are more or less on your level. The latter are much valued and still couldn’t avoid the play-off matches against Norway.

If you don’t get very unlucky on December 9th, your team should at least reach the quarter-final, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see you play in the semi-final or even the final.

[sl7vk]

Getting a top seeding in Germany certainly won't hurt. I voted for Champions..... Some times you just have to vote with your heart. I thought they were going to win in 98, had a bad feeling in 02, and have a good feeling again. The WC being in Europe is a distinct advantage.... When was the last time the Brazilians won a world cup in Europe anyways?

[RandyNA74]

An honourable elimination in QF, that's all I ask ... A 0-1 against Italy or Germany would be OK for example (but not against Brazil or England, they would be too happy :p).
...but Italy wouldn't be too happy? ;)

[jambon-beurre]

The Italians would say "At last" ! ;) and the Germans would find it perfectly normal ...

[Ballon d'or]

Well we're seeded, therefore we won'thave to play the big guns, but seeing pot 3 teams is a bit of a worry.
Let's see what group we got on friday then we'll speculate.
But quite frankly right now i can't say i'm optimistic, and not a lot of french people i talked to are either.
Without Zidane we're nothing, there's no inventivity...and it's getting tougher and tougher for him.
He gets injured more and more.
And our team lacks a person who can invent.
That and the poor choices Domenech makes sometimes ( Gallas on the left, no left foot player in the squad, Cissé in the team,will someone please tell Cissé about the off side rule !!! )

[Ballon d'or]

An honourable elimination in QF, that's all I ask ... A 0-1 against Italy or Germany would be OK for example (but not against Brazil or England, they would be too happy :p). If they manage to go to the semis, the WC will be a success, and if they go out before the quarter-finals, it'll be a disappointment ... (I prefer not to talk about an possible elimination in group stage ;) )

If we get Brasil, it'll be humiliation time.
Hope we won't play them until the very rounds of the WC.

[sl7vk]

Well we're seeded, therefore we won'thave to play the big guns, but seeing pot 3 teams is a bit of a worry.
Let's see what group we got on friday then we'll speculate.
But quite frankly right now i can't say i'm optimistic, and not a lot of french people i talked to are either.
Without Zidane we're nothing, there's no inventivity...and it's getting tougher and tougher for him.
He gets injured more and more.
And our team lacks a person who can invent.
That and the poor choices Domenech makes sometimes ( Gallas on the left, no left foot player in the squad, Cissé in the team,will someone please tell Cissé about the off side rule !!! )

A lot of the problems you mention could be solved by calling up Frank Ribery..... He's the perfect step in for Zidane, a relentless work engine in the midfield that is creative...

[Ballon d'or]

A lot of the problems you mention could be solved by calling up Frank Ribery..... He's the perfect step in for Zidane, a relentless work engine in the midfield that is creative...

But is he ready yet ?
He's a good player, but compared to what Zidane does...

[sl7vk]

But is he ready yet ?
He's a good player, but compared to what Zidane does...
He's ready.
The guy has loved the OM shirt, he's loved the u-21 shirt, and he'll love the national team shirt. Pure grit and emotion this guy.
And 22 years old is not young.

http://www.sport.fr/photos/Ribery-est-un-genie-47631.jpg

[Colm]

France will be fine, they're being underestimated which is a good thing for France, they've got they best players back (mabey past it a bit) but they'll do well. Less pressure on them this time.

[lefutur]

He's ready.
The guy has loved the OM shirt, he's loved the u-21 shirt, and he'll love the national team shirt. Pure grit and emotion this guy.
And 22 years old is not young.

http://www.sport.fr/photos/Ribery-est-un-genie-47631.jpg


I agree but it sucks to have his fate rest in the hands of Domenech-the-Dense. Everybody in France has been asking for him to be called up but Domenech hasnt even acknowledged it yet.