Share

'No way' France will win SWC

Paris - Former champions France are not among the top three teams at the Soccer World Cup and will not lift the trophy on July 11, UEFA president Michel Platini said on Friday.

"I don't see them winning, I think they will go through the first round," Platini, who captained France to the Euro 1984 title, told a few newspapers owned by Groupe Hersant Media.

"France are not the best team in the world, they're not among the top three teams. They are like Argentina, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, who will be tough to beat."

France are drawn in Group A for the tournament with host nation South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay. They face a possible match up with Nigeria or Argentina in the last 16.

According to Platini, who as France coach suffered a first-round exit at Euro 1992, Les Bleus lack great players.

"There are some good players in that squad, but let's be clear, there are no great players. I simply think France have lost a great generation," he said.

France won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with a squad boasting the likes of playmaker Zinedine Zidane, midfielder Didier Deschamps and centre back Laurent Blanc.

Platini believes Spain, England and Brazil are favourites for the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

"They have the best teams, the best players, and they are the ones with the best football," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE