It’s time for France to show pedigree against Australia
The ego-driven problems of the past that saw France players go on strike at the 2010 World Cup are well and truly consigned to the past as the latest crop of Les Bleus target a repeat of their 1998 glory.
But coach Didier Deschamps, who captained France to World Cup victory in Paris two decades ago, faces a dilemma on the eve of a campaign which begins with a potentially tricky opener against Australia on Saturday: making sure his wealth of young French talent live up to their heady reputation.
Having steered France to the cusp of Euro 2016 glory, Deschamps watched in dismay as Portugal punished France in extra-time at the Stade de France.
Two years on, France arrive in Russia with high hopes of young players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele although it remains to be seen whether those are sufficient when it comes to meeting the big guns of Germany, Spain, Brazil and Argentina in the later stages.
Fluffing their lines against Group C minnows Australia at the Kazan Arena would be unthinkable for most French fans, although the Socceroos -who have talked up how they will fight tooth and nail to get a result — have pledged to provide the first hurdle.
“Come this France game we’re going to be ready, and giving ourselves opportunities to win this game. We can’t wait for Saturday,” warned Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Bold predictions aside, on paper France should breeze through a Group C which also features Peru and Denmark.
Antoine Griezmann is one of the hottest properties in world football and, as he did at Euro
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France (4-3-3): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Tolisso, Kante, Pogba; Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele France have topped their group only twice in their last nine World Cup appearances (1998, 2014). In fact, they’ve won only three of their last 12 group games (D5 L4). The victories came against Togo, Honduras and Switzerland.
Les Bleus have won only one of their last four opening World Cup games (D2 L1).
This will be Australia’s ninth World Cup meeting with a European nation. In the previous eight, they have won just once -2-1 win over Serbia in 2010.
2016, is expected to shine in Russia. Two years after a disappointing Euro 2016, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could finally shine on the big stage, along with 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe, who will be making his World Cup debut. Australia (4-5-1): Ryan; Rsidon, Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich; Leckie, Jedinak, Mooy, Luongo, Nabbout; Juric Played Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3,
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In comparison, Australia coach Bert van Marwijk has yet to decide who will lead the Socceroos’ attack, with Andrew Nabbout appearing to be leading the race ahead of Tomi Juric.
The Aussies’ defensive game, a top priority for Van Marwijk is still a work in progress.