Les Bleus, who won in Russia in 2018, have their eyes set on defending their championship in Qatar in 2022, a difficult but not impossible job. France, who have been crowned world champions in Russia 2018, now face a formidable challenge: they must retain the FIFA World Cup Trophy, something no other team has done in the previous 60 years. Since Brazil’s back-to-back championships in 1958 and 1962, the defending champions have never fared well in the competition that followed. Along with Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia, France is in Group D.
On November 20, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM will begin.
On November 22, France takes on Australia in Group D’s first game.
Can the reigning champs retain their title?
The French have an abundance of fresh talent in addition to veteran names, such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Jules Kounde (Barcelona). Les Tricolores seem to have a good chance of winning Group D. With just five World Cup appearances under their belt before Qatar 2022, Tunisia is comparatively inexperienced at this level compared to Les Bleus’ 15. Regarding Australia, France has fond memories of defeating them 2-1 in their initial group round encounter with Russia in 2018.
Deschamps’ Approach and Tactics
The toughest test should come from Denmark, which has replaced France as their adversary. Les Bleus fell to the Danes twice in the UEFA Nations League this year, in June and September, ending a seven-year winless streak against them. Didier Deschamps, who was named coach five years ago, is as pragmatist as they come. He has often said that he does not follow a rigid system and instead likes to modify it to fit the characteristics of his players. Every method is effective, he said to FIFA+. How you utilize them is what counts.
Didier enjoys watching contests with a lot of energy, according to Stephan. “He is not a coach who seeks possession for the sake of possession. Transitions are crucial because he also needs a clear connection to the assault. The coach of the Bleus likes it when his full backs go forward. At Russia 2018, Benjamin Pavard’s breath-taking goal against Argentina was the ideal illustration of such.
In preparation for Qatar 2022, former midfielder Deschamps has a lot to think about in that crucial area of the field. Paul Pogba, who played a key role in Russia’s victory in 2018, won’t go because of a knee injury, while Kante has had a number of issues since France’s memorable night in Moscow four years ago.
Key Player: Kylian Mbappe
Despite Kylian Mbappé’s lengthy runs, the mid-block has worked flawlessly to win the ball back through the centre so that long-distance players can complete through-balls for the PSG striker. Deschamps is expected to begin the 2022 competition with a 3-4-3 that includes Griezmann and Mbappe in attack, as opposed to the 4-2-3-1 that the two-time world winners relied on to be successful in Russia. The outcome might be exhilarating if the front line performs well, and the France manager can find the appropriate balance in the midfield. Player of note: Kylian Mbappe
Already crucial to France’s prospects, Mbappe’s significance for his squad increased with Karim Benzema’s injury-related late absence. Mbappe won’t be intimidated by the added responsibilities, as you would anticipate. He had a lot riding on him when he went to Russia 2018 because he was the most talked-about young player on the globe.
Watch out for Aurelien Tchouameni
This summer, the talented midfielder from France moved from Monaco to Real Madrid, where he is currently playing with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The former Bordeaux star might very well be one of Deschamps’ key players in Qatar 2022 given the likely absence of Pogba, the recent injury issues Kante and Adrien Rabiot have had, and the probable absence of Pogba.
No matter the circumstances of the contest, he always has something to contribute, according to Deschamps. He pays close attention, is well-organized, and considers football. Pogba had all of that at the same age, despite the fact that he is not precisely the same kind of player. Physically and psychologically, Aurelien is a complete player with everything it takes to remain at the top.
It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see them go to the World Cup semi-finals and possibly, once again, to the championship game, carrying the momentum from the last World Cup, which took place in 2018.
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