France plan to bring more energy to their game
The team identifies areas they need to improve on
Yekaterinburg – With their title rivals failing to fire, France have vowed to ramp up the intensity and put their stamp on the World Cup with a victory over Peru today.
Didier Deschamps’s team were far from fluid against Australia in their opening game in Russia, needing the video assistant referee and consequent Antoine Griezmann penalty, then an own goal about 10 minutes from time, to snatch a 2-1 win.
But, while unconvincing, a French side featuring a misfiring front three of the usually prolific Griezmann and starlets Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele at least avoided embarrassment.
With holders Germany losing to Mexico and Spain, Argentina and Brazil all drawing their opening games, the Peru clash is a prime opportunity for the French to stake their claim as the team to beat in Russia.
“We took stock of what we did and all agree that we will have to increase our physical intensity and improve our attitude,” said defender and vice-captain Raphael Varane.
“Other big teams did not win or even lost. We know that there are things to improve on. We know what direction we need to go in.”
Coach Deschamps has an impressive selection of forwards to choose from and could give Olivier Giroud a start.
Talking to the press, Varane leapt to the defence of Mbappe, who faded after a strong start against Australia.
“This is a 19-year-old who did what only a few or no players have ever done [in playing for France at such a young age]. He has a lot of talent,” said Varane, 25.
Fixtures Today Denmark v Australia, 2pm France v Peru, 5pm Argentina v Croatia, 8pm Tomorrow Brazil v Costa Rica, 2pm Nigeria v Iceland, 5pm Serbia v Switzerland, 8pm