The French were the first people to come up with the idea of a world cup. They were to be champions of the world after winning the finals they hosted in 1998. Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals scored in a single world cup tournament, scoring 13 goals. France first tasted success in 1984 as they won the European Championships thanks to the dazzling performances of Michel Platini. They could thank Zidane for the triumph of the 1998 world cup finals and Euro 2000 as he was inspirational helping them to victory.
In the year 1892, French football was formed in France and teams grouped together to play in a league.
The 1984 European championship win was brilliantly inspired by Michel Platini as captain; France won every game en route to the final as they beat Spain 2-0. Playing in midfield, Platini was a master for scoring crucial great goals, scoring nine in total during Euro 84.
France boasts many other greats, to the name of Eric Cantona, Marcel Desailly, Jean Pierre Papin and Manual Amoros.
The French league is one of the strongest in Europe, including, Monaco, Marseille, Paris St Germaine, Lens and Lille. Monaco most recently appeared in the final of the 2004 champion’s league and Marseille won the first ever champions league, in the year of 1993.
France most recently reached the final of the world cup in 2006; however they lost to Italy on penalties.