Five reasons France won't flop like 2010

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Five reasons France won't flop like 2010

France's midfielder Paul Pogba (L) passes a ball with France's forward Karim Benzema during a training session at the Santa Cruz Stadium in Ribeirao Preto - FRANCK FIFE / AFP

France begin their World Cup campaign against Honduras on Sunday in Porto Alegre looking to wipe away the memories of four years ago when an unruly squad returned home shamed after picking up just one point from three matches against Uruguay, Mexico and South Africa.

Here, AFP sports looks at why things should be different this time.

1. Young talent

Many believe this French squad will be even stronger come the European Championships in 2016, but the fresh faces like Real Madrid's Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba of Juventus and PSG's Blaise Matuidi have already shown they are capable of winning now at the top level of European football.

2. Deschamps' discipline

The 2010 debacle was overseen by the eccentric Ramond Domenech who had lost the players' confidence before arriving in South Africa. This time round the captain of the 1998 World Cup winning side Didier Deschamps is in charge and commands a respect from his charges that Domenech never received.

3. Bad influences eradicated

Apart from full-back Patrice Evra, the players who threatened to strike after Nicholas Anelka was sent home in South Africa have been weeded out the squad. Even after a stunning season for Manchester City, Samir Nasri wasn't included for the perceived bad influence he could have.

4. Open draw

Despite not being seeded, France ended up with a fine draw along side Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. Moreover, should they top the group they ought to avoid Argentina and have a manageable last 16 tie with Nigeria, Bosnia or Iran.

5. Benzema's time to shine

With the injured Franck Ribery out of the tournament, French hopes will fall on the shoulders of Karim Benzema. The 26-year-old has largely flattered to deceive in major tournaments so far, but fresh from winning the Champions League in his best ever season for Real Madrid, Benzema appears to now have the maturity to match his talent and make a big impact.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-14

[pinkpanther99]

Paul Pogba is a real talent to watch at this World Cup. He's had a great season at Juve and is key to the way France play. And to think Man Utd let him go and kept Tom Cleverley

[eTiMaGo]

in 2010 I had to pretend to be Belgian, due to shame.... let's hope I don't need to do is this year

[salty]

Esprit de Corps.

[hanno]