"My heart always favored France of course," said the man from Paris France was quoted as saying from Goal.

Even so, the francis still have to be wary of surprises that will be given his team like Belgium which he said could be a stumbling block to lift the French trophy this time, including Croatia.

"I have said many times, no country under 40 million inhabitants has won the World Cup since 1954, since post-World War II," he said.

"But I ask you, can you put Belgium aside? They are a small but quality country. There are Croatia who also have the same quality, "he said.