These five are a handful
Karim Benzema, France
Benzema was a surprise omission from Raymond Domenech’s ill-fated 2010 World Cup squad, but he benefited from missing the South Africa fiasco as new coach Laurent Blanc immediately entrusted him as his first-choice centre-forward. Benzema responded well, with three goals in Euro 2012 qualifying, including the first in the crucial 2-0 away win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as strikes in the wins over England and Brazil. This season has been the most prolific of his career at Real Madrid. Can he convert that form for France? “This is a new squad, a new team and I’m more experienced now,” he said.
