Lemerre has proved the doubters wrong (Allsport).

It was open season on Roger Lemerre when he took charge of the French national side.

When Aime Jacquet opted to hang up his tracksuit following the unforgettable World Cup victory of 1998, few thought his able deputy would fill the breach.

Jean Tigana was among the 'bigger' names linked with the post but a number of senior players made it known they favoured continuity and Lemerre was subsequently appointed.

The cynics doubted whether he could do the job and questioned his pedigree.

To some extent they had a point as Lemerre's club management career had been disappointing.

Lemerre was left trophyless during spells at Strasbourg and Lens and although he had been a success while manager of the French military side, there was plenty of criticism when Jacquet named him as his assistant in 1997.

But Lemerre proved himself a top-drawer coach and, perhaps more importantly, earned the respect of the players.

So when Jacquet departed, Lemerre was handed his chance to shine.

And he has grasped the opportunity with both hands.

In leading his side to the Euro 2000 title, Lemerre finally silenced his critics and France go into the World Cup as one of the two favourites to lift the trophy.

But still little is known of Lemerre the man.

He is a quiet coach, who is happy to let his side do the talking and rarely seems to lose his temper.

His relationship with the press though, has been strained - indeed he boycotted the media in Euro 2000 after accusing them of "generalizations, inaccuracies, confusing statements and unhealthy allusions".

But when he is left to his own devices on the training pitch he is at his best - and that is where he has bonded with his players.

The stars of the side are at home in his company and are happy to give their all for him, while he has the ability to ensure they peak at the right times.

All in all, Lemerre has been a great success and anything other than another final appearance this summer will be a major disappointment.