101.   With three teams in the last eight, French soccer can follow up its first World Cup triumph with a long-overdue success in the UEFA Cup.

102.   French soccer officials were worried about the authorities deciding against policing football grounds, leaving security in the hands of paid stewards.

103.   French soccer coach Arsene Wenger is to take over at J-League club Nagoya Grampus Eight with a two-year contract starting in January.

104.   French soccer star Zinedine Zidane has ruled out a career in coaching when he retires but admites he wants to remain involved in football.

105.   But French soccer legend Michel Platini said the injury was a chance for the French team to prove it is really the best.

106.   The father of French soccer legend Michel Platini, Aldo Platini, received the French Order of Merit on Friday for creating a piece of French footballing history.