FRANCE COACH:
Raymond Domenech

Raymond Domenech, who succeeded Jacques Santini after Euro 2004, must find a way to mesh the old and new generation of players or France will be history in the knockout rounds. The former French Under-21 coach -- he held that position for 11 years -- reportedly is an amateur dramatics enthusiast and has a passion for astrology.

Born on January 24, 1952, Domenech played eight times for the French National Team, his first appearance against the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw on May 19, 1973. One of his appearances was as starter in France's 6-0 drubbing of the U.S. at Giants Stadium in 1979.

A Lyon native, he performed for several French League teams, including Olympique Lyonnais (1970-1977), RC Strasbourgh (1977-81), Paris St-Germain (1981082), Bordeaux (1982-84), FC Mulhouse (1984-88).

He coached FC Mulhouse from 1985-88 as well and at Olympique Lyonnais from 1988-93, directing the club to the French Second Division championship in 1989. Domenech became national technical director on July 1, 1993 and directed the French U-20 to the quarterfinals of the 2001 FIFA world championships. He was named national coach, replacing Jacques Santini after Euro 2004 on July 12, 2004.