Real Madrid — Best pictures!

The French narrowly avoided embarrassment when they snatched just a lame 1:0 win over the Faeroe Islands in a World Cup 2010 qualifier yesterday thanks to a goal by Toulouse FC forward Andre-Pierre Gignac (pictured in a blue Jersey).

Bordeaux’s up and coming star midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (pictured) began the season with a brace as his side trashed Lens 4:1 and rose to the 5th place in the FTBL world ranking of midfielders with 154.41 points.

Real Madrid’s not-so-official mascot striker Raul will now have to face stiffer competition in attack with the arrival of big names such as Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (165.55 points) and France international Karim Benzema (151.47 points).

Defenders Sergio Ramos and Marcelo will not travel with Real Madrid in their pre-season tour of the U.S. and Canada, according to the club’s web site.

Real Madird striker Alvaro Negredo (pictured), who spent last season at Almeria on loan, could find himself at AS Roma or Sevilla next season. As it is, the forward should have no particular problem securing a place in the first team in either of the