French coach, Raymond Domenech has announced his preliminary 30-man squad for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa and as seen in many other World Cup Squads, there are surprises.
France head coach, Raymond Domenech, who has been criticised for not including Patrick Vieira and Karim Benzema in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
The two major surprises are Karim Benzema and Patrick Vieira not being included in the 30 man squad which will be eliminated to 23.
Raymond Domenech, has explained that Vieira, the Veteran defensive midfielder and former World Cup Winner with France in 1998, had failed to convince him to be included in the squad.
Domenech said “We have been following Pat for a while, hoping he could make it to the World Cup. It’s a difficult moment. We tried and he tried too. It’s tough but there comes a time when you need to make a decision”.
Vieira, 33, who currently plays for Manchester City has also showed his disbelief in not being included in the France National team and was reportedly furious with Domenech.
Domenech has also explained that he has not included Benzema the 22-year-old Real Madrid Star due to the lack of time he has played for the Spanish team. Domenech said “Karim has talent and he will come back. He’s had a difficult season with Real and we needed players who were fresh and hungry.”
There are also speculations that Benzema’s private life has also made an impact on Domenech choice as the Real Madrid star who was transferred from Lyon last summer for a huge sum of money has been involved in a sex scandal.
Another major surprise was the exclusion of Arsenal’s Samir Nasri who has been an influential name for the English club in keeping them in the Champions League spot.
Barcelona’s Thierry Henry and Arsenal’s William Gallas were both included in the squad despite Henry having season largly on the bench for the Catalan side and Gallas who has been plagued with injuries.
Domenech’s selection means that no player from the 1998 final against Brazil which the French won 3-0 will take part in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa (Henry was in the squad but did not play in the 1998 final).
France Preliminary 2010 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Marsilya), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Lille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux).
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Lille), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
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