France seek to harness scary potential
Uruguay’s immovable defense to be tested by unstoppable Mbappe
France got off to a slow start at the World Cup but four goals against Argentina last weekend will be a stark reminder to Uruguay of what they are capable of producing when the two sides meet in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Didier Deschamps’ men were always among the tournament favorites but an underwhelming set of warm-up internationals plus a timid start in Russia suggested their reputation rang louder than reality.
That was dispelled on Saturday in Kazan as 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe and cohorts thrilled in a 4-3 victory over Argentina in the last 16.
Not only did the French midfield cleverly nullify the threat of Lionel Messi, but upfront the pace of the teenager and his combination with teammates showed what their squad can achieve.
“The group matches were laborious at times,” agreed assistant coach Guy Stephan, of their two wins and one draw in Group C. “But it must be understood that we came up against well-organized opponents... We understand the desire for this French team to be successful, to score goals and be creative.”
No more will that be needed than against Uruguay, who have conceded just once in the tournament and pride themselves on their stingy defense.
But if any side has the armory to break them down, it is France, with Mbappe at the attacking helm and Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud alongside.
“I don’t think France has had as powerful an attack since 1998 when they won the World Cup,” said former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who is a TV pundit in Moscow during the tournament.
“When I saw Mbappe sprinting some 70 yards [64 meters] to earn France a penalty, I thought to myself, ‘That’s incredible,’” former Switzerland striker Stephane Chapuisat told reporters this week.
Should they win, France will face either Belgium or Brazil in the semifinals. A clash against Brazil would evoke memories of France’s only World Cup title triumph 20 years ago.