World Cup 2014: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud backs united France to impress in Brazil

Le Bleus were a shambles four years ago

France's forward Olivier Giroud gestures as he celebrates his first goal against Norway (GETTY IMAGES)

Olivier Giroud believes the French national team have come a long way since their turbulent World Cup campaign in 2010 and he wants to prove it this summer.

France imploded in South Africa four years ago, with the players boycotting training after Nicolas Anelka was sent home for verbally abusing then-coach Raymond Domenech.

Their subsequent failure to reach the knockout stages, finishing bottom of their group, led to a rift between the team and the French public.

There were also reports of unrest within the squad following a 2-0 defeat to Sweden in the group stage of Euro 2012, which hardly helped matters.

But Giroud has told Arsenal's official website that they have now reconciled those differences and have the full support of French fans ahead of this year's showpiece.

"I am looking forward to the World Cup a lot," he told Arsenal Player.

"It will be amazing in Brazil and a really good opportunity for France to bounce back.

"We had a big disappointment at the last one but it is part of the past. Now we have a really good squad so we have a good chance.

He continued: "Yes [the fans still talk about the 1998 World Cup] because for the French people that will always be a fantastic memory. They're expecting a lot from us.

"We have shown them that we are better than one or two years ago. We have really reconciled with them because of our good results.

"We had bad memories from the World Cup and the last Euros, but they are behind us and 1998 is the past - you have to look forward. We have the support of the French people, so that is a good thing for us."

PA