There is always one team every other side is targeting from the moment the World Cup starts. This time, France will happily take up that role as they prepare to defend the trophy they captured four years ago in Moscow.
It’s a position that this great football nation is used to but it’s worth repeating: in Group D, France are the team to beat. They have an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, and as proven they know better than most how to win at this level.
However, last year at Euro 2020, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Far from it. France won a tough group featuring Portugal, Germany and Hungary and did so unbeaten, but a remarkable penalty shootout loss at the hands of neighbours Switzerland was a reminder that they can be beaten.
At the same time, few will forget the ease with which they were able to glide through the World Cup in 2018. They flew under the radar in a tricky group and in the knockouts defeated Argentina, Uruguay, Belgium, and Croatia to become two-time champions.
Their Nations League form this year, meanwhile, has left a lot to be desired. From four games against Denmark, Croatia, and Austria, Les Bleus have drawn two and lost two, which is hardly going to breed confidence with so few warm-up games ahead.
Of course, the outstanding factor to consider is the astonishing quality they have to harness. If France get off to a good start and keep things steady in the middle of the park, there’s no reason why they can’t go on to successfully defend the title.
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Star player: Karim Benzema
One to watch: Kylian Mbappe
World Cup finals appeared in: 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998 (winners), 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 (winners)
Fixtures: Nov 22 - France v Australia; Nov 26 - France v Denmark; Nov 30 - Tunisia v France
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
![November 16, 2021. Finland 0 France 2 (Benzema 66', Mbappe 76'): Substitute Karim Benzema combined with Mbappe for the opening goal while the prolific PSG striker followed on from his four against Kazakhstan with another in Helsinki. "We wanted to finish on a high and we're happy we did it," said Benzema. "Now we're looking forward to the World Cup. With the team we have it's natural to think about [winning] it." AFP](https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/WFWBZXMNK7D7CQB36VZSIEGBJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=221980918ada744e0373ed2a7e53bf03fe40105f1af5e79c0973166f02fc55f2&width=800&height=450)
