With a date with Argentina set for this Saturday, 30th of June, France really need to step their game up a notch if they want to get past a desperate and determined Argentina side…
In all three of their group games, Les Blues dominated possession but failed to create a large amount of chances. The French team, for all their squad depth and star power, have failed to excite the fans thus far.
As Didier Deschamps looks to become just the third man in history to win the World Cup, both as a player and as a manager, he has a lot to think about before the Argentina clash. The team has scored only three goals in their three group games – with one of them being from the penalty spot and another an own goal. However, the most worrying part for France fans should be that Deschamps still seems to be experimenting.
Admittedly, the French manager appears to have his defence figured out, showing faith in young full-backs Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez with Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti marshalling the defence. Against Denmark, Deschamps also handed a first World Cup appearance to goalkeeper Steve Mandanda after the goalkeeper had been in the squad for the past two World Cups, opting to give Hugo Lloris a rest while PSG starlet Presnel Kimpembe and previously injury-hit Djibril Sidibe also got starts in the final group game.
France march on to the round of 16! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/LvPUx4u0iF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 21, 2018
The biggest issue with France’s tempo jumps up in the final third. N’Golo Kante is a sure-fire starter in every remaining game France will play at this World Cup, but the players around him are still to be finalised. Paul Pogba has been impressive, being involved in every goal France have scored so far, but the trio of Steven N’Zonzi, Blaise Matuidi and Corentin Tolisso have failed to set a match alight when given chances in separate games.
Between the midfield and attack, France are struggling with their link-up play, the transition from defence to attack, and acceleration of the tempo when required. Thomas Lemar is a delight to watch when on the ball but both he and Ousmane Dembele are without a moment in their careers which they are remembered by. France need to find the right mix with the big decision of either target-man Olivier Giroud or the more unconventional number nine, Kylian Mbappe, leading the line still to be made.
France is coming up against a cornered Argentinian side, fighting for their lives as well as their pride in every game now. Lionel Messi is aware this might be his last shot at World Cup glory and, despite all the high-profile names in the squad, the team is fighting just as much for him as themselves. They might be a tactically weak and ageing side but Argentina will not go down with a fight.