Agree with you on that. The 1998 team had a great defence but attacking wise were poor. Up until the final Zidane hadn't done much but in the final, wow what a performance, probably one of the great performances in a final. I so wanted Brazil to win but Zidane was different class.

2002 - he was injured and missed the first two games and the third game he played but was clearly struggling.

2006 - France were poor until Zidane took over against Spain the 2nd round, was majestic against Brazil in the quarters, scored in the semi final and final and went out in style by headbutting the 'evil' Materazzi.

Zidane was the man for France - without him they have looked average.

On a side note the 2000 team that won the Euro's were an absolute force. Zidane, Vieira and Henry at their peak along with the 98 defence and being able to call on guys like Trezeguet off the bench - they would rival any team from years gone by.

Are they a team that have players who all play better in club teams though ?

Wales used to have up to 3 or 4 star players at a time, but as an international side haven't done anything of note. Although Belgium are a better team it could be a similar comparison.
Can only see Chile or Ecuador upsetting the big teams. Don't know how well the African teams are playing ?

That was probably the best team I have ever seen play in my lifetime. They looked absolutely unstoppable. I wanted Italy to win badly, but France were in a different league.

Actually Italy at Euro 2000 did quite well against the French in the final. They were the better team for the 90 mins - even the pundits agreed. The problem was Del Piero missing those two one on one's and Toldo letting in a soft goal, after having such a wonderful tournament.

But yeah, that French team was quite something.

Italy were top class and created an almost impenetrable wall in the back as they usually do, but France in Euro 2000 looked like a tank and I felt that it was only a matter of time before they broke Italy down. It was a great final though - just like the France v Italy 2006 WC final was fantastic. Those two sides are great together.

It's been a long time since I saw the game but from what I remember Italy were in control of the game, the French didn't look like breaking them down. Wiltord's goal really came out of nothing. In extra time tough there was only one team who looked like they were gonna score and they did.

Not a fan of the 2006 final myself - wanted Italy to win but thought it was an average game.

The problem Belgium have is a tough run in. If they win their group they'll probably have Portugal followed by Argentina. Belgium have some good players but I wouldn't call them world class, they may have a chance in Euro 2016 but not in this World Cup.

Zidane is the best footballer I've seen since I started watching football regularly (early 90s when Maradona was on the way down). Well, certainly the best of his kind anyway. He achieved great things, always stood out individually even amongst great players like at Real and France, and he did it all with a certain style and grace too.

Are France high enough odds to be considered a dark horse this time around? I do think they'll have a good tournament to make up for the bad display last time around.

Edit:- http://www.oddschecker.com/football/world-cup/winner

France are 6th favourites at an average of around 22/1. The betting market basically has 4 favoured teams (Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany from 3/1 to 13/2) and then everyone else from 20/1 upwards, so I suppose any team outside the top 4 could be considered a dark horse really.

Agree with this. Zidane was magnificent. I don't think Ronaldo or Messi can touch him (not until they show what he showed on the international level).

By that rationale, you could say Italy are dark horses, which just seems wrong. But at the same time, Belgium have shorter odds than Italy, France, the Netherlands and England, so I fail to see how anyone could consider them "dark horses".

If we're talking about lower-ranked teams which might make the semi-finals a la Sweden and Bulgaria in 94, Croatia in 98, Turkey and South Korea in 02 and Uruguay last time, then I think Bosnia and Herzegovina could be this year's. Good chance of qualifying from their group, tied with one of the weaker group in the second round, and some good players, playing in their first World Cup as a nation.

Chile have been given the kiss of death - Pele's only gone and said they'll be the dark horse this year.

Oh no. I have money on them. They'll now go the same way as Colombia in USA 94 and the African 2010 winner now.

Chile are looking good, but I feel to be the dark horses, not only will they have to through a difficult group, they'll have to win it to avoid Brazil in round 2

Dark horses ? Well, I have money on Uruguay. I also think Colombia or Chile might spring a few surprises. They are all available at good odds.
Looking at France, they have quite a cushy draw that should take them into the last eight and they could grow in confidence. Not sure I'd call France real "dark horses" though.

The thing with France is they seem to require some sort of talisman to do pretty much anything of note.

Look at Platini and look immediately after he retired - 1988 - didn't qualify, 1990 - didn't qualify, 1992 - poor, 1994 - didn't qualify.

Pretty shocking return rate pre-Zidane. And now, after Zidane, who knows?

wasn't that impressed with my tip the Ivory Coast last night. can't see them going beyond the second round at best now.

I suppose Benzema is their star now. Pogba could become the next one they look to if he continues as he's going.

Despite the defeat last night, I'm sticking with Bosnia reaching the last eight - just as long as they sort themselves out in the final third and stop being so wasteful.

Pogba could really be a Viera or even Yaya Toure type. I think he would be excellent in the Premier League if he ever wanted to come back. If he really hits the heights, I doubt he'll stay in Italy.

I fancy Bosnia to give France a real game in the last 16 though and could nick it.

Chile looking a decent bet now.

Tempted to put money on them

I fancied Chile from the start although I thought they'd get through the group at the expense of Holland not Spain.

I think the USA could surprise everyone and reach the quater finals, where they would likely face Argentina.

That wouldn't surprise me at all.

I think Chile do look good.
If they do face Brazil in the next round I actually think they could beat them as Brazil haven't impressed me.

I'll be interested in watching how they do in their final group match against Holland.