Many of the players who marshalled the French success are still there: Zidane, Trezeguet, Thuram, Henry, Wiltord, Vieira... yet there is a niggling feeling that the French are outsiders in this world cup, and we need to understand why.
It came as a surprise to some sectors of the footballing community when Gregory Coupet was named second choice goalkeeper behind Fabien Barthez, veteran of four major tournaments now. Having been the last line of defence for a mighty Lyon side that only seems to get better, Coupet should rightly command the goalkeeping nod, yet, it is the experienced yet frustratingly erratic and unpredictable Barthez whom head coach Raymond Domenech chooses to start games. While big game know-how is crucial, Barthez in no way represents the wise old head that ought to come with the veteran tag. Instead, one remembers his ridiculous two-footed lunge in the UEFA Cup final two years ago that resulted in a sending off. Surely, France cannot afford any similar antics, not least of all after what we saw in the Parisian European Cup final just weeks ago.
In a way, the goalkeeping battle is a metaphor for a French team in transition. The awkward succession from Barthez to Coupet is mirrored throughout the team, with a possible exception in the striking department.
In defence, the old guard of Marcel Desailly, Lauren Blanc and Frank Lebeouf have made way for William Gallas, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Mikel Silvestre. That 36 year old Lilian Thuram has turned back from retirement suggests that all is not solid in this new backline.
William Gallas, France's defensive all-rounder, can plug the leak in the heart of defence, yet his failure to hold down that position in Chelsea means that he is most likely played down the left as a fullback. Elsewhere, Mikel Silvestre barely instills confidence and Pascal Chimbonda is largely untested internationally.
Vieira is the midfield general, the box-to-box authoritarian whose form should dictate how well France plays. In an awkward time of transition, Vieira's maturity is more than ever needed if France are to hold their candle against the superpowers of the world. But the explosive midfielder has a disciplinary record that would make any thug blush, and Vieira must be extremely disciplined to avoid the cards that will see him sit out of big games.
Up front, it's business as usual. Zinedine Zidane, also returning from retirement, supports best friends Henry and Trezeguet in attack. This glittering strike force should be mouth-watering if you see the glass as half full of French wine: Zidane in his swansong tournament, Henry and Trezeguet with buckets of goals between them. Their to score rivals their ability to entertain. But the glass can also be half empty: Zidane has looked tired in Madrid, and at 34, surely a shadow of his former self. Henry is almost faultless, yet his performances in a blue shirt have rarely come close to matching those in the red of Arsenal. If Henry is indeed the key player of this team, then what do the rest of his teammates need to do to help him replicate his Arsenal form?
The verdict overwhelmingly favours the French going forward. One look at their squad tells you that the bulk of the quality lies midfield and up. But remove a few key pieces, and the French immediately look exposed - just as how the removal of Zidane and Henry from the last world cup (Zidane was shaking off an injury, Henry was sent off) as sure as killed them off four years ago, their lack of depth and ability to adequately replace key players is a concern. Frank Riberry is an option in midfield, but never having won a cap, how much can Domenech actually expect from the youngster? Djibril Cisse is an option up front, yet his poor attitude makes him merely a pauper's Henry. A marked out Henry is a French team not resembling anything close to world beaters. A crocked Vieira could very well end their entire midfield enterprise.
Hence the big names on the French team sheet deceives. With this set of players, they will undoubtedly still start as favourites for a quarter-final, or even a semi-final berth. Yet, not all is well, and anyone backing France should only do so having calculated the risks. Raymond Domenech is a manager who has failed to inspire a talented team - or for that matter, instill any form of discipline and self-assurance - and their qualification and friendly results show this. France's failure to see off opposition like Ireland, Switzerland, Israel and Slovakia exposes this big name as one short on inspiration, creativity, industry, spark or even goals.
Nonetheless, theirs is a relatively uncomplicated group. France's bedfellows are Switzerland, Korea and Togo. Victory against either the Swiss or the Koreans should see them top their group, though it won't come as a surprise if either team held Le Bleus to a draw. If the opening game against Switzerland goes against France, then surely fears of a 2002 repeat will be rife.
Likely stars:
Henry
The bulk of Frane's goalscoring onus will fall on this majestic striker, whose speed, ball control and guile can beat - literally - any defence in the world. He must finally find blue form.
Vieira
An inspiring leader from the engine room - Vieira's task is to lift up a lethargic French outfit and will them into producing results. Very influential, but must absolutely keep his cool.
Makelele
His signature role as the protector of defenders will be pivotal. If France are to concede fewer goals than they score, this tenacious midfielder will have to be at his tough-tackling best.
Trivia:
Most likely to beat up a referee: Vieira, with a clean blow from his left fist, but only after a bout of torrential screaming.
Most likely to miss in a penalty in a shootout: Silvestre or Boumsong, with a miskick that rolls gently to the keeper.
Most likely to get a bigger contract after the tournament: Franck Riberry, young lad... the 247th "next Zidane".
Most likely to retire after the tournament: Zidane and Thuram's are confirmed... expect Barthez to go soon too.
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