They got there in the most controversial of means with Thierry Henry's handball goal against Ireland in the play-offs. Now, Raymond Domenech's France side are defeated and in disarray following a 2-nil defeat to Mexico.
Much had been made of Henry leading a players' revolt against the France manager before Les Bleus had even made it to South Africa. Now it's emerged another player/manager row erupted in the run up to tonight's Group A defeat.
Chelsea forward Florent Malouda was left out of the opening nil-nil draw with Uruguay. He was apparently asked to play a defensive role by Domenech and refused, so Sidney Govou got the nod. Following that disappointing start to the campaign, the players decided they wanted Malouda in and forced Domenech into making the change. Whether that change led to the defeat is a matter for debate, but what is clear is the respect of the manager has long gone and the sooner Laurent Blanc takes over the better.
France's managerial problems are in stark contrast to Argentina's. Diego Maradona was hounded for their poor qualifying campaign, much in the way the French people voiced criticism of Domenech. But, despite his problems, Maradona has got his Argentina side playing well. Very well. And that's without Lionel Messi yet reaching his best.
And with Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, hat-trick hero of the 4-1 win over South Korea today, scoring 105 club goals between them this season, it is without doubt the most potent strike force in this World Cup.
Maradona has responded to the criticism aimed at him before the tournament by gathering squad capable of beautiful, attacking football and are rightly favourites with some bookmakers now. Domenech has left out players such as Karim Benzema and Patrick Vieira and already looks likely to be on a plane out of South Africa, and out of a job, as early as next Tuesday.
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