5 reasons for the French team to remain hopeful

It’s wall-to-wall coverage of the World Cup in today’s French papers including an article in Le Parisien outlining reasons for the French side to remain optimistic. They include the talent of midfielder Frank Ribéry and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. We also look at Le Figaro’s coverage of Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux’s fight against polygamy in France, in particular cases were polygamists masquerade as single-parent families to claim extra welfare. THURSDAY, 10th JUNE 2010

IN THE PAPERS

By James CREEDON

Articles in today’s French papers:

Le Figaro: “Hortefeux ready to change Nationality Code” (in bid to tackle polygamy)

France Soir: 66% of the French would be happy to see Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, subsumed into France should their northern neighbour ‘divorce’.

Le Parisien: “5 reasons for the French side to remain hopeful”

Ribéry’s talent: the Bayern Munich midfielder is perhaps the only player capable of bringing success to les Bleus, the paper says.

Domenech’s newly-found courage: he has nothing to lose now that’s he at end of his contract

The goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris: While France’s defense is very weak,

Hugo Lloris was on top of his form this season with Olympique Lyonnais.

An attack-orientated strategy: With a 4-3-3 formation and only one defending midfielder, this strategy could pay off if les Bleus go on the attack.

Abou Diaby the supersub: He’ll he sent in during the second half to run riot on the other team’s tired defence. It worked well against Costa Rica, Tunisia and China.

Le Monde: a map indicates where football is most played in the world.

L’Equipe: “Ribéry, the little leader”

L’Equipe: Cartoon: “With one day to go, all of Ireland is watching”