World Cup odds on France list them at 12.5 to 1 to win the 2010 World Cup.
France should advance out of the group stage as they play in what is considered a weak Group A. France is the -135 favorite in World Cup betting to win Group A.
World Cup odds could be more competitive in Group A than people are expecting because France is not a powerful team. They needed a favorable call just to make it to the World Cup. France has the talent with players like Thierry Henry, William Gallas, Franck Riberty, Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal but they don’t exactly throw fear into opponents. What helps France is that Group A is not very good. You can make a case for Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa finishing in second place but none of them really have the talent to make it past the knockout round.
This will be the last hurrah for France coach Raymond Domenech who led France to the final four years ago. He will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the World Cup. It may not be a great ending for Domenech as France simply doesn’t have a lot of star power. Henry is France’s all-time leading scorer but he did virtually nothing for Barcelona this season. Gallas has been dealing with a calf injury but he should play. Starting defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra is out due to injury. France needs Gallas as he is their most reliable and experienced defender. If he does not play then France could be in trouble even in the group stage in World Cup odds.
Ribery had an excellent season for Bayern as they won the Bundesliga. Malouda had 15 goals to Chelsea this season as they won the Premier League title. France also has Arsenal’s Abou Diaby and Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka who can impact World Cup betting results.
France has the most talent of any team in Group A but they are not without their problems. Scoring goals could definitely be an issue and in Group A that could be the story. Mexico doesn’t have much firepower while Uruguay and South Africa will also look to keep games low-scoring. France should advance from Group A but they are one of the weaker favorites in World Cup odds.