UEFA Euro Team Watch – France

France are the favorites to reach the quarter-finals along with England in group D. But the lack of experience could hunt their European campaign. However, a young and rejuvenated squad is expected to produce some good results against tough opponents.

Group D opponents – Ukraine, Sweden, England

Past Records in Euro

France qualified in 1984 for the UEFA Euro championship since 1960. They went to win the tournament winning all the five games they played in the tournament.

It was surprising that they did not qualify for Euro 1988, after the win in 1984.

Manager Michel Platini led the team to Euro 1992, but they were unable to progress through the group stages after two losses and a draw.

In Euro 1996, France reached the semi-finals but lost to Czech Republic 6-5 on penalties.

Led by FIFA World Player of the Year, Zinedine Zidane, France started the campaign well in Euro 2000. They eventually won the tournament beating Italy 2-1 through a golden goal by Trezeguet.

In Euro 2004, France placed a full strength team, but were defeated by eventual winners Greece in the quarter-finals.

Euro 2008

After strong qualification round, France entered the tournament in 2008, but was placed in ‘group of death’. France was unable to compete the likes of Netherlands and Italy as was eliminated in the group stage of the campaign.

Euro 2012

Road to Qualification

France finished top of the table in its group to reach the finals of the tournament. It included 6 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss.

                                                                Probable Line-up

Lloris(c)

Debuchy - Rami – Mexès – Evra

M'Vila

Ribéry – Cabaye - Malouda

Nasri

Benzema

Most capped Players

Florent Malouda – 76 caps (9 goals)

Franck Ribéry – 59 caps (9 goals)

Karim Benzema – 44 caps (13 goals)

Top Goalscorers

Karim Benzema – 13 goals

Franck Ribéry – 9 goals

Florent Malouda – 9 goals

Man To Watch

                                                                Karim Benzema

Having played an excellent La Liga winning season, he is having a breakthrough in his career. This was his second season with more than 30 goals. Playing alongside the likes of Ronaldo and Kaka, he has already established himself in the Real Madrid line-up and is the only striker to watch for France as well. In a young and less top goal scorers in France he can be the goal machine for this European championship.