Group A: France, Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa

FRANCE: FIFA RANKING 9, ODDS TO WIN 18/1

Raymond Domemech's preparations have been beset by problems, but one obstacle he is almost certain to avoid is the pressure of expectation. A recent poll showed that only 27.3 per cent of French fans believe Les Bleus will be able to get past South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay to reach the knockout stages.

Their early exit from Euro 2008 and an unconvincing qualifying campaign that saw them having to rely on that infamous handball by Thierry Henry to beat the Republic of Ireland in their two-legged play-off have seen public confidence in the team falling to an all-time low. Domenech is booed at most games, and has decided to step down, to be replaced by World Cup '98 and Euro 2000 winner Laurent Blanc, whatever the outcome in South Africa. Things have not been helped by the controversy that has followed the police investigation into under-age prostitution that is to include interviews with Franck Ribéry and Sidney Govou.