So who do you reckon will be the first big name to fall at the World Cup? Which of the traditional heavyweights will be checking out after the group stages and heading home to a media mauling?

Could it be Portugal? Worryingly and reluctantly, they have been dragged into the Group of Death and are seemingly more successful when Cristiano Ronaldo is not involved.

What about Argentina? The South Americans have the world's best player but the world's best former player, Diego Maradona, cannot seem to get the best out of Lionel Messi.

The correct answer is, of course, France. Don't take my word for it. Les Bleus are in real danger of an embarrassing first round exit according to one of their own.

France out in the first round?

Nicholas Anelka (aka The Incredible Sulk) will never make it in the Diplomatic Corp. He rarely gives interviews but when he does, he tends to call a spade a shovel. His latest assessment of his nation's chances is a long way south of encouraging.

The Chelsea striker was part of the French team that was recently outplayed in a friendly by Spain. The two countries are, of course, geographical neighbours but Anelka believes, from a footballing perspective, they are miles apart.

How times change. Four years ago, France might have won the World Cup but for Zinedine Zidane's moment of madness. Spain, as usual, flattered to deceive, topping their group with a perfect record before blowing up against the French in the round of 16.

Two years later, the Spaniards finally proved to be the sum of their parts at Euro 2008 while France returned home in shame without a win and last in Group C. Anelka, a member of that unhappy squad, clearly believes lightning could strike twice.

Let us not forget, as if we ever will, how fortunate the French were to have qualified in the first place. The stars of yesteryear have either retired (Zidane, Trezeguet), their powers are waning (Henry, Vieira) or they are injured (Gallas, Abidal).

Trezeguet quit international soccer after the humiliation of the European Championships and took a swipe at coach Raymond Domenech on the way out. Anelka stopped short of pointing the same accusing finger but the implication is clear.

Domenech under fire

The team has lost direction and the buck stops at the manager's door. Domenech has been deeply unpopular with French fans for years, and how he kept his job after Euro 2008 is a mystery to most of us. Should his team fail again in South Africa his position will be completely untenable.  

By the same token, Anelka is hardly helping the cause. His very public doubts about France's ability to make a significant impression in 2010 are unlikely to rouse a nation or inspire his teammates. Domenech's call for the players to "leave their egos behind" has apparently fallen on deaf ears.

To an extent he has a point. Domenech is trying to foster a mood of harmony, and a 'One-For-All' mentality where clearly there is disharmony. His efforts, I fear, are in vain. His abrasive style has not endeared him to the fans or the media and his attempt to instil solidarity is too little too late.

Those who believe France got lucky twice should think again. Yes, Les Bleus avoided a bumpy ride in Group G but Group A will be no cakewalk. Uruguay will be tough, and maybe rough, Mexico's young guns could run them ragged and South Africa will have massive home support.

France has a history of blowing hot and cold at the World Cup. Winners in 1998, group-stage losers without a single goal in 2002 and runners-up in 2006, perhaps a pattern is emerging. If so, Nicholas Anelka has every right to be concerned about what the summer has in store.