France World Cup 2014 betting preview: odds to win Group E

France narrowly qualified for Brazil and they had a terrible showing in the 2010 World Cup finishing last in the group stage, but they have a solid squad and the best odds to win their group this summer.

They are not in the toughest of groups and have a slew of world-class players such as Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

But France faces a lot of pressure in this World Cup after their disaster four years ago.

France Odds to win World Cup 2014: +2200
France Odds to win Group E: -150

The French are a slow starting team that should benefit from not playing in a strong group. The midfield of the team is the strength and while Benzema leads a good attack the squad tends to be inconsistent on offense.

The defense is decent and when they give up goals they tend to be from long range and in the air.

Since losing to Brazil 3-0 in a friendly, the French have gone unbeaten in their last three tune-up matches including a solid draw against a good Belgium team and a win over Holland.

World Cup Prediction for France

With the talent the French have, it is hard to imagine them not making it out of the group stage, but the same could have been said about the last World Cup.

The match against Switzerland is their biggest test in the group, but they will win that one as well as beating Honduras and Ecuador. France will win the group and their round of 16 match, but then they may next run into Germany.

How France got to the World Cup

The French finished second in their European qualifying group and that was no surprise since they finished behind 2010 World Cup winner Spain. In qualifying before the playoff tie their only loss was to Spain at home.

They were a little unlucky to be drawn with a solid Ukraine team in the playoff and after losing 2-0 on the road things did not look good. However, they stormed back and won 3-0 at home to advance.

Overall, their qualifying record was six wins, two losses, and two draws.

World Cup Qualifying Results

07/09/12 Finland 0 - 1 France

11/09/12 France 3 - 1 Belarus

16/10/12 Spain 1 - 1 France

22/03/13 France 3 - 1 Georgia

26/03/13 France 0 - 1 Spain

06/09/13 Georgia 0 - 0 France

10/09/13 Belarus 2 - 4 France

15/10/13 France 3 - 0 Finland

15/11/13 Ukraine 2 - 0 France

19/11/13 France 3 - 0 Ukraine

World Cup Group Play Schedule

15/06/14 France vs. Honduras - Estadio Beira-Rio

20/06/14 Switzerland vs. France - Arena Fonte Nova

25/06/14 Ecuador vs. France - Estadio do Maracanã

Team Key Players

Franck Ribery Bayern Munich - the veteran of the squad is the leader of the midfield and he is a very solid attacking MF that is still one of the best players in the world.

Karim Benzema FW Real Madrid - The star striker has been nicked up at the end of the club season, but should be ready for Brazil and he leads the French attack.