YOUNG AND DEEP FRENCH TO BE TESTED AGAINST PERU
Meanwhile, Argentina looks to avoid shocking early exit, says Bob Lenarduzzi.
France takes on Peru in a key match on Thursday. France won its opener over Australia 2-1, but didn’t look that convincing, while Peru outplayed Denmark and were unlucky to lose 1-0.
French soccer has tremendous depth, and coach Didier Deschamps has opted for a young squad that he thinks can get along with each other.
He’s hoping to avoid the big egos and personality clashes that have plagued previous French sides. Most of these players weren’t in the mix four years ago, and some weren’t even around at Euro 2016, so it’s a new-look squad.
Deschamps has enjoyed good success with a 4-4-2 formation, but against Australia he opted for a more attacking 4-3-3, with Antoine Griezmann tucking in behind the speedy young duo of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. Aside from France’s opening flourish, it didn’t work that well. The French attack looked better after the introduction of Nabil Fekir and target man Olivier Giroud, so expect Deschamps to change things up.
In midfield, playmaker Paul Pogba and workhorse N’Golo Kante will almost always start. Young Bayern Munich star Corentin Tolisso has risen up the ranks lately, while Juventus veteran Blaise Matuidi is another solid option.
At the back, captain Hugo Lloris is a fine goalkeeper, while Samuel Umtiti marshals the defence. Umtiti, though, wins the award so far for most unexpected way to concede a penalty, with his inexplicable handball against Australia.
At left back Lucas Hernandez has been preferred to Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy. Against Australia, Hernandez covered a lot of ground, and in more ways than one. He pushed forward at every opportunity and was involved in much of the attack, but he also rolled round on the pitch at every opportunity, embellishing fouls.
At right back, if young Benjamin Pavard looked out of place against Australia, that’s because he’s actually a central defender playing out of position. Deschamps has only one right back on the roster, Djibril Sidibe, and he’s injured.
Peru, meanwhile, came into this World Cup on a wave of confidence riding a 14-game undefeated streak, while making the country’s first appearance at the competition in 36 years.
Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel came up big, though, shutting down an attack led by veteran forwards Jefferson Farfan and Paolo Guerrero.
Also looking good for Peru was right-winger Andre Carillo. That came as a shock to Watford fans, where Carillo played this past season and failed to impress. If Carillo and Peru can put in a good performance, they may be able to give France a shock.
Another big game on Thursday sees Argentina and Lionel Messi take on Group D leaders Croatia. Could Argentina be at risk of going out in the group stage? I hope not.