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| World Cup 2022: France National Team (c) AP Photo/Martin Meisner |
Les Bleus visited Qatar with the status of defending champions. Four years ago in Russia, they emerged as the 2018 World Cup champions after breaking Croatia’s heart in the final.
This achievement is their second best achievement after in 1998 they also succeeded in making history for the first time in their own country. They have also been runners-up in the 2006 World Cup and finished third in the 1958 and 1986 editions.
Judging from the material of the players, France is really terrible. Famous names like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Benjamin Pavard, and the aging striker who performed well for Real Madrid last season, Karim Benzema, seems to still be trusted in the starting XI.
Paul Pogba, another French star, is not in the squad. The reason is, the pillar of Juventus is still struggling with a knee meniscus injury during the pre-season tour. Post-surgery, Pogba must be sidelined for 60 days.
Didier Deschamps, the most responsible person in the team, didn’t want to take any chances. “I can’t say for sure whether to take him (Pogba) or not. What’s certain, I’ve never brought a player to a tournament if the player hasn’t fully recovered,” Deschamps said some time ago.
The 2022 World Cup will also be a special stage for young French players. They are Aurelien Tchouameni, William Lilina, Ibrahima Konate, and Matteo Guendouzi. It is possible that one of them can repeat Mbappe’s achievement as the Best Young Player for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Coach Profile: Didier Deschamps
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| France national team coach Didier Deschamps. (c) AP Photos |
Player material is okay, coach is also okay. Who doesn’t know Deschamps? The name is fragrant. His achievements have amazed everyone. On the World Cup stage, Deschamps is a special figure.
In his capacity as a player, he won the 1998 World Cup. That was the first title for Les Blues on the last four annual stages. Then, at the 2018 World Cup, the 53-year-old Juventus legend also succeeded in making France the strongest team in Russia.
In Qatar later, full support will flow to Deschamps. The tactician who successfully combines young players and senior players is believed to be able to defend the title, even though he has to compete with other top teams such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Belgium and the Netherlands.
“I’m sure France can (again) win it,” said Marcel Desailly, a French legend.
Star Player Profile: Kylian Mbappe
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| Kylian Mbappe Instagram |
He has all the requirements needed as a bomber. Fast, strong, tough, and good at shooting. There’s no denying that Kylian Mbappe is one of the deadliest strikers at the moment. For France, the 23-year-old is their most valuable asset.
Naturally, the coach, Deschamps, praised the pillars of Paris Saint Germain to the sky. “France will be much better off with him,” said Deschamps.
Four years in Russia, Mbappe appeared extraordinary. He not only helped France win the 2018 World Cup, but was also lined up as the Best Young Player. At that time he was still 19 years old.
Mbappe is ready to go all out for France’s ambition to defend the title. “We will go to Qatar with a determination to win again,” he said.
France national team squad for the 2022 World Cup
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Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
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Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Axel Disasi, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Lilina, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
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Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
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Attackers: Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani
