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9th July 2006 was really a black day for France after they lost the finals against Italy on a penalty shootout in that years World Cup Final. Four years have passed and France will definitely wish to reverse their fortunes in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The new generation of French players will try to continue the legacy of Platini and Zidane as they take on the field in South Africa and go past their opponents with style.

How They Got There?

How Many Will King Henry Enslave

After becoming World Cup champions in 1998, France did not perform so well in the 2002 version of the tournament. Fortune still did not favor them and in spite of coming so close to the title, the French team lost the finals to Italy by penalties in 2006. In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, France performed pretty well. Although the team lost to Austria in the first match, they were quick to bounce back and win versus Serbia. More wins and draws followed and the team was well placed in the tables. Finally, the certificate of qualifying was achieved after France won the play off against Ireland through an extra time goal.

The Coach

After France’s dismal performance in 2002, it was time for making some changes in the team. This is when Raymond Domenech stepped in as the coach of the team and got it out of rough waters. Since then, he has become an integral part of French football team and is now the longest serving national coach. Under his coaching, the team performed exceptionally and also lifted themselves to become runners-up in 2006 Germany World Cup. This former French player mainly relies on an innovative forward style with 2 wide attacking players and a single striker.

The Team

Les Blues Gunning For Success

The French football team blends the enthusiasm of youth with the experience of star performers. With Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka as the main strikers, there is always a chance of winning. Henry is in good form and has had a good stint with Barcelona. Players like Franck Ribery are expected to make a good impression while the defense line will be taken care of by William Gallas and Sebastien Squillaci. Despite his young age, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has earned praises for his wonderful saving skills and quick sense of mind.

Magic Touch of Anelka Ready To Cast A Spell

The never say die attitude matched with an all out attack are the main keys behind the success rate of the  Les Bleus. Hopefully we will get to see the same this time too

Others in Group A

1. South Africa
2. Uruguay
3. Mexico

Talking about the Spanish football team, the only word that can be used is class! They are the second best team as per the FIFA rankings and have every chance to reign in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Spanish are hoping for the big thing to happen this time which is already evident from their confidence and star performance. The Spanish team’s form is capable of creating some shivers down the spine of the competitors.

How They Got There?

How Much Change Will Fernando Torres Make

Winning the 2008 UEFA EURO Cup started the dream run for the La Roja, which will perhaps be completed only after winning the World Cup. With 6 successive wins, Spain started their  2010 World Cup qualifiers campaign on a big note. Quite amazingly they topped the group rankings of the qualifying stage having won all the 10 matches.  After winning against novices Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia, they beat Turkey. However, their greatest win came versus Belgium at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where they won by 5-0. There was no looking back for the Spanish team and the path to World Cup 2010 Finals was easily sealed.

The Coach

It was not an easy task for current coach Vicente del Bosque to take over from EURO winning coach  Luis Aragones and still retain that level of confidence and consistency. However, this well acclaimed former coach of Real Madrid managed it with absolute professionalism and kept the winning streak going. His hard work, innovative tactics and perseverance bore fruit and helped the team to win all the matches in the qualifying stage. An excellent manager, del Bosque has brought more depth to the Spanish  team by his innovative tactics.

The Team

Classy La Roja Raring

Very few teams have that depth and talent as the Spanish football team. Be it in the attacking line or at the defense position, the Spanish players are ready to give their hundred percent. The team has a terrific  attacking line led by David Villa and Fernando Torres, which will be further strengthened by their strong midfielders such as Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso. Both Villa and Torres are in the peak of form and can cause sleepless nights for opponents. Coming to defense, Spain has some impressive players like Carlos Marchena, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. Captain Iker Casillas will be the main goalkeeper and and may wish to end his world cup stint in a big way.

Xabi The Playmaker

The Spanish are hungry for blood and wish to carry on their dream run of form to the World Cup. Reino de Espana may be the king of this World cup.

Others in Group H

1. Switzerland
2. Honduras
3. Chile

A team which has perhaps the most stars in it, England is a strong contender of this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Having failed in the previous World Cup in Germany, this may be the last chance for some of the star performers of the team to prove themselves and lift the world cup trophy. The team is keen to shed aside their dismal performance of the past and come back in a completely new avatar in the 2010 version of the tournament.

How They Got There?

The Youth Force And Older Heads

England had a fantastic performance in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers. With some magnificent display of football, they silenced critics and lifted their spirits from the debacle of disqualification at the 2008 UEFA EURO Cup. In fact their performances surprised lots of people about the vast improvement that has come into the team since their EURO Cup disappointment. In the qualifying rounds, England was always on top with just 1 defeat from 10 matches. They topped the European Zone with 34 goals. The team started in an emphatic fashion and won the first 8 matches in a row. Their best performance was against Croatia whom they defeated by 5-1 goals. Their only defeat was versus Ukraine. However, it did not matter as England had already qualified for the World Cup by then.

The Coach

Continuing his success from club football to the international arena, coach Fabio Capello has instilled that confidence and determination into the England football team. This disciplined Italian is one of the most successful coaches and has utilized the star power of the team to the fullest. In a short span of time, he has created excellent rapport with players and helped build that unity within the team, a quality which was lacking in the side for long. Capello mainly relies on the midfield diamond system which is a combination of attack and defense.

The Team

How Loud Will The Three Lions Roar in Africa?

No other team in the world cup perhaps has so many stars as England. Almost all the players are heavyweights in club football. The attack led by Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey  will be further strengthened by a well organized midfield consisting of Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Frank Lampard and others. The forward line and midfield will be complemented by a tight defense. David James is the main goal keeper of the side.

Star Studded With Men Ready To Shine

Can the Three Lions do it this time? Well, a lot depends on the players and we have to wait and watch.

Others in Group C

1. United States
2. Slovenia
3. Algeria