Why I Think France Will Lift The FIFA World Cup In 2014

Catastrophic, tragic, disastrous and woeful are just four words that have been amongst 100 similar to those used in describing France's World Cup bid in South Africa 2010. It was without doubt a tournament that showcased and emphasised every bad quality that the French possess; arrogance, rash decision making and ego's big enough to match the height of the glorious Eiffel Tower. The array of shameful performances both on and off the pitch were placed on the shoulders of one man that had in no doubt over stayed his welcome as the sides boss; Raymond Domenech. In fairness, the former Lyon and Strasbourg full back had guided the team to a World Cup Final before, only to lose on penalties in Germany. However Mr Domenech had been rubbing his players up the wrong way throughout his managerial career and this time it had gone to far, he dismissed striker Nicolas Anelka and the following day after a heated dispute between French captain Patrice Evra and trainer Robert Duverne, Domenech saw his side abandon training and return to the team bus. Ultimately France's 2010 World Cup campaign ended with them sitting at the bottom of Group A with one draw and two defeats beside their name. So, why after all this do I believe that France will be the side to win the World Cup, 3 years before the finals have even kicked off?

There are a host of reasons, ones that I will discuss in depth later on, however the first is the manager, Laurent Blanc. Blanc's managerial career began with Bordeaux a short time ago in 2007, however in his three years with the club he implemented a winning mentality and a fluid style of football which led the side to being crowned champions of France in the 2008-2009 season for only the 6th time in the clubs 128 year history. Blanc, unlike Domenech is in my opinion a much better man manager than his predecessor, bringing out the best in his players, focussing much more on their footballing qualities rather than their zodiac signs (Robert Pires). Despite the relative young age of his current squad, Blanc managed to lead France to the top of their Euro 2012 Qualifying group, a notable achievement which was complimented with friendly wins over Brazil and England. The former Manchester United centre back has only signed a 2 year contract with the FFF, though I'm sure after a relatively successful Euro 2012 campaign and a hunger to manage at the World Cup Finals, he will be the man guiding the French national side to World Cup glory once again.

The current French squad is very young and relatively inexperienced, however I believe it is also the best up and coming side on the international scene. People can talk forever about the dominant Spanish sides however players such as Xavi, David Villa, Carles Puyol, and Fernando Torres will all be coming close to the end of their illustrious careers whilst the likes of Yann M'Vila, Loic Remy and Marvin Martin will be entering their prime years. The squad not only have age on their side but they also have bulk too, no position looks particularly weak and individually and collectively they are a solid, well organised and in my mind a very underrated bunch of players.

Hugo Lloris - The Lyon stopper has been one of the most sought after goalkeepers in Europe. A range of top clubs have been tracking the progress of this young man for many years now and would have seen him grow into one of the finest around. He was a part of the infamous French side of 2010 and I'm sure he will have learned a lot from his time in South Africa. By the time 2014 is here, Lloris will be 27 years old, a perfect age as it demands respect from his peers and more importantly his defence, whilst he will still be able to pull off agile saves, something that the likes of Iker Casillas may have by that time lost to his age.

Steve Mandanda - Another goalkeeper that has been tracked for many years. Clubs up and down Europe crave to have this man as their number one goalkeeper let alone their number two. Although for now Hugo Lloris is number one in the French goal, make no mistake that Mandanda will push his compatriot all the way to force himself in between his countries posts. He will be 29 by the time the next World Cup comes around, meaning he will be littered with experience and will bring along with him the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the year award 2010-11.

Gael Clichy - For a large part of the 21st century Gael Clichy has been known to be one of the finest left backs in world football. He made his name at Arsenal after Ashley Cole left the club, Clichy quickly settled in to Arsene Wenger's side providing attacking assistance as well as putting on some outstanding defensive displays which were instigated by his ability not only to bomb up and down the left flank at lightning quick speed, but also to do it for 90 minutes without feeling the affects. His form was haulted a little due to a back injury, however after a new chapter in his football career starting with new club Manchester City, I believe his experience will give him the nod over any potential rivals for the position.

Aly Cissokho - Cissokho is more well known for his attacking threat rather than his defensive ability. He is a player that again is very fast and provides a ferocious cross for his strikers. Whilst with Lyon he too has attracted a number of big named European clubs. He is someone that is recognised, like Clichy, to have fantastic stamina and boasts a two year age gap on the former Arsenal man. Although experienced in the UEFA Champions League, Cissokho has not won any major title with current club Lyon, however he will provide excellent cover for Gael Clichy and having two quality left backs is somewhat of a rarity amongst international sides.

Adil Rami - Adil Rami is a magnificent central defender who not only boasts intelligence, a will to win and a fantastic tackle, but can also strike a ball well from a set piece. He currently plays his football in La Liga with Valencia, a club who have started strongly and who's great start can be credited to the addition of their new central defender who stands at an imposing 6ft3inches tall. Rami is 25, meaning he will be 28 at the next World Cup, he will be a more experienced member of the group and will no doubt bring composure to the French back line which has suffered since the days of Marcel Desailly and co.

Mamadou Sakho - Although still only 21, Sakho has enjoyed playing a total of 102 Ligue 1 fixtures for his respective side, Paris Saint-Germain. He is known for his incredible strength but is also very versatile too as he can also slot in comfortably at left back. Breaking into the first team at any club at the tender age of just 17 is something anybody should be proud of, yet to break into one of France's most recognised and respected sides is simply amazing. Not only did he break in early, he has also maintained his first team place, performing consistently for his club over the past four seasons showcasing his incredible work ethic, tireless engine and brilliant tackling ability. Sakho will certainly form an outstanding partnership with Adil Rami at the heart of France's defence.

Bacary Sagna - Known for his unique hairstyle, Sagna in my opinion is the world's number one right back. Although his crosses are notably not the best, his presence, speed and good decision making in attack makes him an invaluable asset to any side he plays in, whether it be for Arsenal or France when they are trying to mount an onslaught down the right flank. Sagna has been Arsenals consistent performer in their woeful back line for a number of years now, he is a full back who is hard to beat, who positions himself relatively well and deters his opponent from pushing to far forward as they fear getting caught out of position, thus allowing him more freedom on the counter attack. His age may be a problem as he will be 31, however providing that he does not lose any of his speed or stamina, I believe he will still be in and amongst the best right backs in the world by Brazil 2014.

Samir Nasri - Quite simply one of the best creative midfielder's in world football. People will argue that he has only had half of an outstanding season in the Premier League with Arsenal. However, those people forget that this is a player who has overcome bouts with Meningitis in his career, as well as one who has notched up numerous amounts of goals and assists for former club Marseilles of whom he began his career with, teasing defenders at the age of just 17. He is fast on and off the ball, his pace is complimented by his unpredictable dribbling skills and fantastic improvisation, imagination, intelligence and desire to win. I myself am an Arsenal fan and like many others, despise him personally for the way he left the club, yet I see this as no good reason to cover up his ability on a football pitch. 2014 will be a year that sees Nasri turn 27, he will by then be even more experienced which will lead to a wiser head and an overall more completed player.

Yann M'Vila - For me Yann M'Vila epitomises everything that is good about this French side right now. He is young, boasts impressive physical strength and has an unprecedented hunger to achieve. At only 21 years old he is already an established player in the French national side, having being capped 15 times, scoring once. Standing at 6ft1 inches tall, M'Vila is being likened to one of the games finest defensive midfield players, Patrick Vieira. The comparisons do not fall short either, like Vieira M'Vila has brilliant defensive abilities, carrying out most of his sides' dirty work. Tackling, heading and snuffing out attacks off the ball is what makes this guy so good and a future legend of the game. Aside from his defensive duties, M'Vila appears to be very composed on the ball which gives assurance to the defenders behind him and enjoys playing precise passes to his team mates ahead of him. By Brazil 2014 he would have no doubt moved on from current club Rennes and will be completely ready at the age of 24 to showcase his ability on the biggest stage of them all, he is a natural born leader and in my opinion a future French captain.

Yoann Gourcuff - At the age of 25, Gourcuff has enjoyed a career which has seen him play for Rennes, AC Milan, Bordeaux and current club Lyon. Throughout his time at these respected clubs he has been noted as an accomplished passer of the ball who has great vision as well as an eye for goal, sometimes being utilised as a second striker. Despite this Gourcuff does not score a huge amount of goals as his area of expertise lies in simply setting them up. At the moment he is enduring a run of bad form, he apparently is 'disappointed and frustrated' with himself after only managing 5 assists and 4 goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances since joining Lyon. A player of his quality will surely bounce back though and by the time 2014 comes around he will once again be somebody that strikers love to play in front of and will no doubt contribute even more creative flair to his national side.

Marvin Martin - Although only small, Marvin Martin has emerged as one of France's hidden gems. Having only made his international debut in June where he come on as a substitute to set up a goal and score two for himself, Martin has given manager Laurent Blanc a lot to think about. With his pace, close touch, excellent technique, eye for goal and wonderful vision, for me he will be the perfect man to partner Yann M'Vila in the French midfield. He could be seen by some as a relatively late bloomer as he is already 23, however judging by his performances, his late emergence has not phased him in the slightest and after a further three years of development, at the age of 26 travelling to Brazil 2014, it will be his time to shine. The combination of this small creative magician alongside a man mountain in M'Vila will surely be the managers dream midfield?

Franck Ribery - For many years Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery has been tormenting defenders with his pacey mazy runs which subsequently end with a lethal shot from the man himself, or a pin point cross which will add to his assists tally. His ability to frighten defenders with his pace throughout a whole game is a credit to his incredible stamina and overall fitness levels. He is a true athlete and would be an asset to any side in world football. With him on one side and Samir Nasri on the other, opposition full backs would have surely met their worst nightmare and the combination could go down as one of the most devastating of all time. Ribery is also a renowned set piece specialist. He has had his trouble on the field, sustaining a couple of nasty injuries in his time, however fingers crossed they seem to be behind him. Being 31 at Brazil 2014 can only mean one thing, not only will France have a lightning quick winger who possesses all of the necessary dribbling skills to beat any defender in world football, but they will have a wise, experienced lightning quick winger who possesses all of the necessary dribbling skills to beat any defender in world football.

Loic Remy - Remy is a player that possesses all of the necessary attributes needed to become one of the most deadly attackers across the globe. He is very fast with great energy levels and is also someone that likes to flaunt his remarkable strength, regularly using it to cause problems for his opponents. Very much like Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Remy likes to regularly drift out wide in order to assist team mates or to simply cut inside and shoot himself, he is a striker who is very illusive and is incredibly difficult to man mark. He too is still relatively young and will be 27 by the next World Cup Finals, another player who will be hitting the peak of his career. As well has his physical attributes, Remy is a striker that is very clinical in front of goal and this term has begun with 3 goals in just 5 of his Ligue 1 appearances for Marseilles.

Karim Benzema - Karim Benzema will surely by 2014 be up there with the top 3 strikers around. His technical ability, power, hunger, versatility and immense scoring record is what sets him apart from the rest. Despite scoring an astounding 106 league goals for both Lyon and Real Madrid in just 177 appearances, Benzema is still only 23 years old. It is hard to imagine how much his record would have improved by the time that Brazil 2014 comes around but it will no doubt be one that leaves defenders wishing that they had opted to play rugby as oppose to football when they see him lining up against them. As well as being widely known as being an out and out goalscorer, Benzema has also notched up an impressive 17 assists in his 40 league appearances for current club Real Madrid. With him being partnered up front with Loic Remy, a player of around a similar age, who also likes to assist his peers, France will definitely have one of the most feared strike partnerships in the whole tournament and one that will bring them goals from every imaginable angle.

Of course the World Cup in 2014 will be littered with fantastic teams, Messi's Argentina, hosts Brazil, Holland and Germany are all but a few of those. Sure, they will be tough to beat however I truly think that none will be able to match France's hunger for success, youth - experience combination, physical dominance or sheer talent in this tournament. I feel that many pundits, spectators and people within the game are taking this current French side too lightly. The players I have written about are all examples of just how many world class players they will have at their disposal for this tournament. Also, playing second fiddle to the players I have mentioned will be other extraordinary talents such as Lassana Diarra, Yohann Cabaye, Younes Kaboul, Laurent Koscielny, Bafetimbi Gomis, Kevin Grameiro, Jeremy Menez, Mathieu Valbuena, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko and Dimitri Payet, hardly a bad bunch of reserves? And I'm sure that just as Marvin Martin did, a few more unexpected talents will creep up on us all between now and the finals in 2014.

What is certain is that France will have a squad which will consist of every ingredient imaginable at their disposal in order to win the World Cup in 2014; reliable goalkeepers, a solid defence that can also aid in attack, a midfield that is able to do a defensive job as well as create chances, and a set of strikers that will drive defenders mad and will be able to convert those chances into all important goals. However, the one thing that they must overcome is what saw them crash out so bitterly in 2010; arrogance, selfishness, and huge ego's. This side is not the one that travelled to South Africa though and neither is the manager, for these reasons I have a lot of faith that this French side will return home from Brazil with World Cup winners medal's hanging from their necks; France Monde des vainqueurs de Coupe 2014?

Charlie Shanks