June 1st, 2010 by Adam Davies

Although unconvincing in FIFA World Cup qualification – not least thanks to the famous Hand of Henry – France still ought to progress through Group A. Boasting a legion of talent throughout their squad, including Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka, and Florent Malouda, they offer a real threat to any side’s chances.

They may well be the dark horses for the tournament – despite being written off in nearly all quarters.

Much criticised coach Raymond Domenech has recently tested a more attacking 4-3-3 formation, which will make them substantially easier on the eye. Although this new strategy only helped the team to a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in a recent international friendly, that was mostly thanks to an incredible display from opposition goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Ribery and Manchester United full back Patrice Evra combined excellently down the left, while Yoann Gourcuff and Sidney Govou also excelled.

There are still over 2000 World Cup tickets left for France’s Group A games, and there is still time to get to South Africa for the holiday of a lifetime.

Uruguay v France tickets are on sale from £93
France v Mexico tickets are on sale from £90
France v South Africa tickets are on sale from £118

Despite potentially dangerous opposition in Diego Forlan’s Uruguay, recent England opponents Mexico and host nation South Africa, one would expect France to progress to the second round as winners of Group A. They will have extra incentive to do so, for the first knockout stage will most probably be tough for second place qualifiers: Group A runner-up v Group B winners would almost certainly mean facing Argentina in the second round. While that would be a hugely difficult task for either team, it has all the makings of a potential classic. Tickets are available from £140.

Group A winners v Group B runner-up would see France most likely face one of South Korea, Nigeria and Greece, who would be far more agreeable opponents from a French perspective.

From there, anything can happen. There is excellent value to be found in buying France tickets at this summer’s World Cup, and after appearances in two of the last three World Cup Finals, who would bet against the French to triumph again?