Will France finally start looking like a team that can challenge for the World Cup trophy?

France have not been impressive for a long time now, and they consistently disappoint just when they look like they have turned the corner and are ready to show that they will be challenging at the World Cup.

They struggled through qualifying, and only came through a play-off with Republic of Ireland thanks to the now infamous ‘Henry handball’. They looked much improved against Costa Rica, despite only winning two-one, but then disappointed once again against Tunisia, where they were lucky to escape with a one-one draw.

They are 1/5 (Bwin) to beat China this evening in the Stade Saint Pierre, and anything less than a win, even by France’s recent standards, would be a shock result.

Nicolas Anelka (15/4, Bet365) has come in for criticism for his performances as the focal point of France’s three pronged attack, although the formation suits Les Bleus star man Franck Ribery (6/1, Bet365) who is now the side’s main goal threat.

Ribery is 7/5 (Bet365) to score at any point during this evening’s match, and given the weakness of China’s defence, that looks far too big.

China can be backed at 20/1 (VictorChandler) to beat France, but they will struggle to make any impression on the game, and damage limitation will be their main aim. France can be backed at 10/11 (SkyBet) to win without conceding, and given that the main instruction from manager Raymond Domenech to his players will be to cut out the errors that have cost them goals recently, that is a very good price.

Don’t expect the French to rack up a cricket score, as they very rarely do, particularly in friendly matches. A three-nil win (13/2, SkyBet) looks like the highest they will achieve, especially if multiple changes are made in the game.

Recommendations

Win to Nil – France (10/11, SkyBet)
Anytime Goalscorer – Franck Ribery (7/5, Bet365)