Something to prove for Group G teams

France and South Korea head into the first round of the World Cup with something to prove.

The other two teams in Group G, Switzerland and Togo, just hope to survive.

France, the favorite in the group at this year's tournament in Germany, went into the last World Cup as defending champion, then failed to score a goal before being sent home with two losses and a tie.

South Korea served as co-host in 2002, but had never won a World Cup match in its five previous appearances. That changed with an amazing run to the semifinals.

In Germany, the French hope to prove their poor '02 showing was a fluke, while the South Koreans try to show they still are a team to be feared, even on the road.

Since Raymond Domenech took over as France coach in July 2004, the team has lost only one of 18 matches, 2-1 against visiting Slovakia in March. But it does struggle to score.

Zinedine Zidane, who retired from international soccer but came back to help France qualify for the World Cup, will lead the team in Germany. It's certain to be his last appearance on the biggest stage in soccer.

Most of the team has recognizable names: Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, David Trezeguet, Fabien Barthez. Others, such as Franck Ribery and Pascal Chimbonda, will be with the national team for the first time, while Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka and Johan Micoud were passed over.

"I know the weight of this responsibility, it was not easy," Domenech said after selecting his squad. "Nights and nights of doubt and insomnia. This list will not please everybody."

What might please the fans back home is a spot in the second round, and the same goes for South Korea.

"We are going with full confidence to a tournament in Germany because I think every player wants to bring the best out of him," South Korea coach Dick Advocaat said. "Expectations are high in Korea, but . . . expectations are high with the coaching staff."

Advocaat chose 10 veterans from the last World Cup to his squad, led by Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung and Tottenham defender Lee Young-pyo.

Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored the winning goal against Italy in the second round of 2002, will lead the offense with Seol Ki-hyun and Cho Jae-jin.

"We have a very balanced squad and a squad that can surprise a lot of people in the world," Advocaat said.

Switzerland is back after a 12-year absence, and it will bring a new crop of players to the World Cup.