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France qualified for the Euro 2008 from a difficult group that also featured Italy, Scotland and Ukraine, among the seven teams competing for a place.
They finished second in the group behind Italy scoring 25 goals and allowing 5 in their 8 wins, two draws and 2 defeats.
For the tournament France was drawn in Group C, possibly the toughest group in the competition, alongside other favourites like Italy, Netherlands and Romania.
Their campaign will start on June 9th in Zurich, Switzerland, against Romania.
The team:
The most favoured formation by French coach Raymond Domenech is 4-4-2, although he is known to deploy a 4-2-3-1 line-up if the need occurs. Following the retirement of Fabien Barthez, Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon) will finally get a chance to start for France at a major tournament at the age of 35.
In front of him the French defence would ideally consist of William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich) and Lilian Thuram (Barcelona), who allowed only 5 goals in qualifying.
Patrick Vieira (Inter) and Claude Makelele (Chelsea) will lead the midfield with Florent Malouda (Chelsea) and Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) on the left and right.
Thierry Henry (Barcelona), who surpassed Michel Platini at the top of France's goal-scoring list, is guaranteed a place as a starter after scoring 6 goals in qualifying. Domenech also has the option to use Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka, who had 4 goals in qualifying or Lyon's talented youngster Kerim Benzema. Benzema was out of action for three weeks in March this year through knee injury and his place will depend on his fitness.
David Trezeguet (Juventus) was left out by coach Domenech despite being among the leading scorers in Serie A this past season.
Youngster Samir Nasri (Olympique Marseille) also got a place in the midfield.
Coach Profile:
During his days as a player Raymond Domenech won one French title with Strasbourg in 1979, one with Bordeaux in 1984 and one French Cup with Olympique Lyon in 1973.
Domenech also had 8 caps for the French National team from 1973 to 1979.
As a coach Domenech started with FC Mulhouse and Olympique Lyon before taking charge of the French U-21 national team.
From there Domenech moved on to take over the senior national team after the disappointment at the Euro 2004 and led the team to the final at the 2006 World Cup in Germany where France lost to Italy in the penalty shootout.
Team record:
This will be the 7th appearance for France at the European Championships. They are one of the most successful teams at the tournament having won the title on two occasions.
France also has one title as World Champions from the tournament they hosted in 1998.
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