Since the first World Cup in 1930, the French have always had a good showing, and have established themselves as a talented team with it's own crop of superstars. France has appeared regularly in the World Cup, finishing fourth in 1982, and third twice, in 1958 and 1986. In 1998, France hosted the World Cup, and achieved a dream ending by winning it all on home soil. That team, with star players like Zinedine Zidane, Fabien Barthez, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram marked the pinnacle of French football. However all those players ended their international careers in 2006. The French international team has also claimed 2 FIFA Confederations Cups (in 2001, and 2003) and 2 UEFA European Championships (in 1984, and 2000).

The France national football team was founded in 1904, and competed internationally regularly, including in the 1908 Summer Olympics. France played in the inaugural World Cup in 1930. They bowed out in the group stage, but not before Lucien Laurent scored France's first World Cup goal, which was the first goal scored in World Cup history.

Les Bleus marked a new achievement in World Cup football by qualifying for the 2010 Tournament. It marked the fourth consecutive appearance by France, which began with their World Cup win in 1998. With the retirement of many of the biggest names in 2006, the 2010 edition of Les Bleus is captained by Thierry Henry, and features the talents of youngsters Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff. William Gallas will be counted on to anchor the backend, while Jeremy Toulalan and Lassana Diarra will be keys in the midfield. Other notable names are Karim Benzema, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Florent Malouda and Loic Remy.

In their first game of the 2010 World Cup, France put up a rather uninspiring effort in a 0-0 tie against Uruguay. It was a disappointing game from France, especially since Nicolas Lodeiro of Uruguay was sent off with a red card, leaving the team with only 10 players. The game continued a streak of games in which France hasn't looked anything like the team that won in 1998, or challenged for the finals last time vs. Italy.

FRA 0 - 0 URU

An ugly game by France led to a 2-0 thrashing by a relatively evenly match Mexican side. Other than some quick moves from France's Franck Ribery, the French side never seemed to muster much effort, and rarely looked dangerous. Goals by Javier Hernandez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco were all Mexico needed to put Les Bleus away for good. France's chances of advancing past the opening round of the 2010 World Cup are definitly in jeopardy with their loss.

FRA 0 - 2 MEX

1. June 11 - vs. Uruguay
2. June 17 - vs. Mexico
3. June 22 - vs. South Africa

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