France look to the future
Friday, July 2, 2004
Article summary
France begin preparing for their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Article body
New coach
It will be Les Bleus' first match since their UEFA EURO 2004™ quarter-final exit at the hands of Greece. With Jacques Santini on his way to Tottenham Hotspur FC in England, France will be under the control of new coach, who is expected to be named on 9 July. Laurent Blanc and Jean Tigana are believed to be the leading contenders.
Ghana withdraw
France had been due to play Ghana, but the African country have withdrawn due to on overloaded schedule prior to the Olympic Games in Athens, much to the disppointment of France's Accra-born defender Marcel Desailly. "I'd have enjoyed playing Ghana," he said.
World Cup openers
The Bosnia-Herzegovnians, who have never qualified for a major tournament, start their World Cup qualifying campaign on 8 September with a home match against Spain. France face Israel four days earlier.