1. France
The absence of the 1998 World Cup winners from next summer's tournament would perhaps come as the biggest shock to most. The truth is, though, 'Les Bleus' have been in a downward spiral ever since the 2010 tournament in South Africa which saw them unceremoniously eliminated from the group after finishing rock bottom. And Didier Deschamps's men haven't found things much easier this time round, either, after being paired in Group I alongside World and European champions Spain. France are guaranteed at least a play-off spot and are unlikely to top the group with Spain just needing a point off Georgia tomorrow to guarantee their place in Brazil. It would take an improbable string of results for Franck Ribery and co. to qualify outright. Spain would have to lose to Georgia and France beat Finland with a three-goal swing in goal difference for the French to dodge November's play-offs. Unlikely at best, but then, stranger things have happened in football. Star Performer(s): Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, Samir NasriSo will we be watching a World Cup tournament next summer without the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, Javier Hernandez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Ribery? Let us know in the comment section, below.
Joseph Dempsey
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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
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