After winning the Fifa World Cup in 1998, then being eliminated in the group stage four years later, France set in motion a trend of World Cup winners being eliminated in the group phase of the next tournament. Will they be the ones to break the jinx? ...
France heads into the 2022 Qatar World Cup as defending champions. It’s the second time this has happened in the event’s history.
Nevertheless, the team boasted a plethora of quality. Les Bleus could still call on the likes of midfield anchor Patrick Vieira, goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and the exciting Thierry Henry, among others. The French can take solace from the fact that since they kickstarted that trend, three of the four subsequent defending champions have not succeeded in making it out of the group stage of the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with his teammate Olivier Giroud after scoring a goal during the Fifa World Cup 2018 Round of 16 soccer match between France and Argentina in Kazan, Russia, 30 June 2018. Following that mishap in 2002, the French came into the 2006 World Cup in Germany keen to make amends. They did, too, led by midfield maestro Zidane, playing with a strapped knee throughout the tournament.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Victor Gomes to officiate star-studded France team in World Cup debut | KickoffRenowned South African referee Victor Gomes is set to officiate the high-profile Group D World Cup fixture involving a star-studded France team led by superstar striker Kylian Mbappe. Read more here ▶️
Read more »
Messi centre stage as Argentina, France begin World Cup title bidsLionel Messi will embark on what will surely be his last chance to win the World Cup, with Argentina and holders France both in action in Qatar.
Read more »
OPINIONISTA: The World Cup, globalisation and the world economyThe 22nd Fifa World Cup is under way, but who at the beginning of this century would have thought it might be hosted by tiny Qatar? Yet here we are, and the only surprise is that it doesn’t feel all that surprising.
Read more »
FIFA World Cup group matches in South African kick-off time | SportHere are all the FIFAWorldCup group matches in South African kick-off time. | Sport24news Qatar2022
Read more »
Valencia leads Ecuador to 2-0 win over hosts Qatar in World Cup openerEnner Valencia's two first-half goals led Ecuador to a dominant 2-0 victory over Qatar on Sunday as the home nation froze on their big night with an error-strewn display that left them as the first 2022 World Cup hosts to lose their opening game.
Read more »