I agree with you Stonewall it s "deja vu" in the world of WC, i have the case of italy, I don t remember when but in one WC, they started quite difficutly, but then they won, with a skill who was upgardinf every match.
It s not because I m french, but I ve saw a wonderfull team against brazil, with a strong defense, a Zidane who were brazilian in this game, and only one goal, but it was enough.
Then France have strong nerves with all the "old" of the team, lilke Viera, Thuram, Zidane ... but those guys have strong leadership too..
We will see, hope the best ll win