World Cup Tips: Can France Win the World Cup in Brazil?

The Les Blues qualified for the World Cup in dramatic fashion, beating Ukraine 3-0 in the second leg overcoming a 0-2 deposit from the first leg, but can they win the World Cup in Brazil next summer?

This could provide some needed momentum going into a World Cup where there were many questions being asked about this France squad. Things looked desperate for them in the play-offs after they lost 2-0 in Kiev but they bounced back and sent the French faithful wild as a brace from Liverpool defender Mahamdou Sakho provided the spark they needed. So how strong is their squad and what are their chances of winning the World Cup 2014?

The betting odds make for very interesting reading, they are best price 33/1 to win the World Cup with Betfred which for a team of their stature, history and talent is quite large. They have a decent record in World Cups, winning it in 1998 and reaching the final in 2006, losing on penalties to Italy. Their squad has been derided and written off, some French papers after losing in Kiev even asked is this French team “the worst in history?” Despite this, there is a lot of talent throughout the team and although it doesn't live up to French teams of the past, it still has enough quality to compete against the top nations in Brazil next summer and must come into the World Cup betting tips reckoning.

Managed by former legendary player Didier Deschamps they have a strong squad that's slightly lacking in world class talent. Their star player is Franck Ribery, he is in the form of his life and is a contender for this year’s Ballon d'Or competition. Leading the line will most likely be Benzema, who is not showing his best form this year for Real Madrid. They can also go to Olivier Giroud, who is having an impressive second season for Arsenal having scored 10 goals and is looking good for the current Premier League leaders. France have a good midfield, it's not as good as other World Cup contenders but with very capable players like Cabaye, Pogba, Nasri, Matuidi and Valbuena they can hold their own in that area. It may not have Zidane or Vieira anymore but they do have Ribery to rely on for outstanding world class quality.

At the back they have a top goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris who has proved a good acquisition for Tottenham in the Premier League. France have some good experienced full backs with Sagna, Evra, Abidal and Clichy. They also like to play Debuchy at right back who has shown some good signs playing for Newcastle. There is some good options at centre-back too, with Mahamadou Sakho, Laurent Koscielny and  Raphael Varane who is seen as a star of the future for Real Madrid and the national team.

With have a good mixture of youth and experience, if they can ride some momentum from the playoffs and avoid the top nations early, they could go far. They would most likely get outclassed if they face the likes of Brazil, Germany and Spain but if you're looking for big odds to win World Cup 2014, France at 33/1 at Betred could be a shrewd bet.

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By Luke Haynes