It’s something be studied, analysed and debated.
“We generally complain a lot about the selection, we get angry in front of the game and after we have a long debrief,” said Sydney based French fan Leo Denes.
“What people say in France is that there are 60 million coaches, because they would have done better than the national coach,” added his compatriot Charles.
This culture does have its negative side, which became all too apparent at the 2010 World Cup.
Frustrated with their coaches treatment of Nicolas Anelka, the French players went on strike, causing national scandal that is still painfully felt by supporters today.
But it was careful analyses and preparation that led to the country’s most famous moment since the liberation after World War II.
In 1998 France claimed its first, and to date, only World Cup triumph.
The streets of every major city were filled with rapturous fans draped in the tricolour.
“All the people were in the street, it was just a big expression of love, I think that it was the strongest joy the French people have had since I was alive,” said Denes.
It was also a triumph for French multiculturalism at a time when Jean-Marie Le Pen was gaining fame.
France’s Group E opponent Switzerland - a national team made up of players from diverse background - is also attempting to combat xenophobia.
A recent referendum has restricted migration to the country and some see a successful World Cup as a win for multiculturalism.
“If Switzerland does well and gets pass the group stage, with all those foreign sounding names it will be a real win for those who think Switzerland should be an open society,” said SBS radio’s Christian Froelicher.
The World Cup in Brazil could be the perfect catalyst to bring players and fans of both Switzerland and France closer together.
