Again, think about it: they ranked highly in several World Cup tournaments, placing 1st (1998), 2nd (2006), 3rd (1982), and 4th (1986). Those are all pretty good showings, by almost anyone's estimates. Germany, Italy, and especially Brazil, during that span, have achieved as much, if not more, but that's about it.
However, if that places France among the elite squads, as it should, then how do you explain them failing to even qualify in either 1990 or 1994?
And, for that matter, how do you explain their 2002 performance, which is widely viewed as the worst title defense in World Cup history? Or, even worse, the 2010 World Cup performance by France, which was so outrageously bad, that it made headlines around the world, and for all of the wrong reasons. The players were rebelling against the coach, the coach made things worse by opening his mouth when it would have been far better to keep it closed, and the French team could do absolutely nothing right on the field. All of that lead to a very quick exit, and a makeover for the French side that took a more serious approach, trying to eliminate problem areas, and problem players.
And the French team this year heads into the World Cup with uncertain expectations. Some still expect them to rank among the relative elites, but is that realistic? The head coach has already stated that France will not win the tournament, and one of their most famous players, Ribery, is out for the tournament - none of which bodes well.
It is a question mark.
Still, France has a shot, and the teams in their division are hardly overwhelming, which would suggest that France has a shot to at least advance to the second round, if not perhaps outright win their group. That is not guaranteed, and even if they do win, it is not guaranteed that they will progress beyond that point.
But it is interesting, just how diverse this team's fortunes not only have been, but still could be.
And here is a chance to get a bit more familiar with the French squad, by reading this article by Jerome Pugmire (see link below):
France's new faces keen to shine at World Cup by Jerome Pugmire (AP Sports Writer), June 12, 2014:
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