World Cup 2006 Preview - France
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Gambling Casinos.
World Cup 2006 Preview - France
Overview
France needed to bring back some of their legendary players to secure a spot in the World Cup finals. Positioned fourth in their group, veterans Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele, and Lilian Thuram came out of retirement to help turn the tide for the struggling team.
Key Points
- Odds and Predictions:
- Outright Odds: 12/1
- Group G Winners: 1/2
- Qualification Journey:
- France secured first place in their group with a crucial 1-0 victory in Ireland, a 1-1 draw in Switzerland, and a decisive 4-0 win against Cyprus.
- Despite draws against Israel, Switzerland, and Ireland, their five victories kept them from needing to navigate the play-offs.
- Historical Context:
- This marks the first time in 20 years France has qualified on merit, with their previous entries in 1998 as hosts and 2002 as champions.
- After failing to qualify in 1990 and 1994, they aim to avoid the embarrassment of finishing last in their group without scoring, as happened four years ago.
- Challenges and Team Dynamics:
- With key players like Thuram and Zidane at 34, Makelele and goalkeeper Gregory Coupet at 33, and Sylvain Wiltord at 32, the squad is aging.
- Manager Raymond Domenech has faced issues with the younger generation not stepping up, forcing reliance on veteran players.
- The exclusion of creative talents like Robert Pires and Johann Micoud could mean a static midfield, putting pressure on Zidane to carry the team.
- Striker Performance:
- Strikers Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet need to improve, having scored only four goals between them in 17 World Cup appearances. Djibril Cisse has yet to score in three appearances.
Outlook
While France boasts world-class talents on paper, confidence in their success is low due to their struggles in qualifying and poor performance in the previous World Cup. With unfavorable odds, betting on them to win or even qualify from Group G offers little value.
Opening Match and Betting Tip:
- France faces a tough opening match against Switzerland, a team they've drawn with twice in qualifiers. A draw is the suggested bet at 9/4 odds.
Recommended Bet
- France vs Switzerland to end in a draw @ 9/4
This preview highlights France's challenges and prospects for the World Cup, offering insights into their chances and betting recommendations.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: World Cup 2006 Preview - France.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.