France vs. Netherlands: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview
Aug 31, 2017
France's forward Thomas Lemar (L) and midfielder Kylian Mbappe react following their 3-2 win over England in their international friendly football match between France and England at The Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis near Paris on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France meet the Netherlands at the Stade de France on Thursday in a vital qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Les Bleus currently sit second in Group A, level on points with leaders Sweden and three ahead of the Netherlands.
Manager Didier Deschamps' men only find themselves second thanks to goal difference, with Sweden having scored twice more, a gap the hosts will look to close against a leaky Dutch defence.
The Netherlands have conceded six times through three matches on manager Dick Advocaat's watch. His team could struggle to repel some of the precocious talents in the France squad, including AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.
Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details, including live-streaming information:
Lemar's pace, intelligent movement and terrific delivery from wide areas are sure to cause the Dutch problems. So are the keen instincts for pouncing on chances possessed by Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
It will be interesting to see who Deschamps asks to partner Grizemann up top. He has called up Arsenal duo Olivier Giroud and Alexandre Lacazette, with the former usually preferred by Deschamps.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Olivier Giroud and Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal with the FA Community Shield trophy after the The FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by James Bayli
At the back, there is also a place in the squad for Kurt Zouma. The Chelsea centre-back has impressed so far on loan at Premier League side Stoke City and deserves the chance to re-establish his credentials at international level.
There is also likely to be a lot of attention paid to Lemar's Monaco teammate Kylian Mbappe, with the 18-year-old looking increasingly likely to complete a loan-to-buy deal to Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain, per Bryan Swanson of Sky Sports.
France boast the firepower to make life miserable for a Netherlands squad with more than a few holes defensively. Advocaat will be without Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Daryl Janmaat and Jeffrey Bruma, according to Goal's Oli Platt.
Van Dijk's aerial presence and reading of the game are sure to be sorely missed against opposition of this quality.
Advocaat has some tough choices to make at the back, but it's up front where things could get most interesting, after Robin van Persie was brought back into the fold.
Netherlands forward Robin van Persie kicks a ball during a training session in Katwijk on August 28, 2017, ahead of their FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying football match against France on August 31. / AFP PHOTO / ANP / Olaf KRAAK / Netherlands OUT (P
The 34-year-old Fenerbahce striker expressed his delight at being back involved for his country, per James Rowe of Football-Oranje.com: ”I was last called up to the national team 18 months ago so I was not counting on it but I am really happy to be here and to be a part of this national team squad. I worked with Dick Advocaat last year at Fenerbahce and that was great."
Van Persie may be in the winter of his career, but the former Arsenal and Manchester United ace has not lost his keen eye for goal. The veteran is sure to be key for the Netherlands' hopes during the rest of this qualification campaign.
At the moment, even Van Persie won't be enough to stop France putting three more precious points on the board.
Prediction: France 3-1 Netherlands
Ousmane Dembele Nets Winning Goal for France in Friendly Action vs. England
Jun 13, 2017
France's forward Ousmane Dembele (L) is congratulated by France's midfielder Kylian Mbappe following a goal during the international friendly football match between France and England at The Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis near Paris on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele netted the winner as 10-man France downed England 3-2 in an entertaining international friendly at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, on Tuesday.
Harry Kane opened the scoring early for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions side, but England were trailing by half-time after goals from Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe.
Kane netted from the penalty spot to equalise early in the second half after Raphael Varane was sent off for downing Dele Alli in the box.
But France were rewarded for their impressive response to the setback when Dembele lashed a finish across the goal and into the net 12 minutes from time.
The Press Association's Simon Peach provided the lineups ahead of kick-off:
England made a flying start, as captain Kane put them ahead in the ninth minute following a slick team move.
France lost the ball on the halfway line, and Alli picked out Raheem Sterling in the box with a sweeping ball. A neat back-heel by the Manchester City star found the onrushing Ryan Bertrand, who put it on a plate for Kane to tap home from close range.
England's forward Harry Kane celebrates after scoring during the international friendly football match between France and England at The Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis near Paris on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (
Five minutes later, Olivier Giroud had the ball in the back of the England net after a sensational volley, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
The equaliser did come in the 22nd minute, though, when Giroud's header was palmed away by England goalkeeper Tom Heaton before Umtiti slotted home the rebound.
It was a similar situation on France's second goal just before half-time, when Heaton produced another fine save to keep out the 20-year-old Dembele only for Sidibe to reach the ball first and lash it into the back of the net.
Heaton could perhaps have done better to push both efforts further away from goal, but he was largely let down by his unresponsive defence, per The Times' Henry Winter:
Any chance of anybody in the #eng defence or central mid giving Heaton any protection - a proper challenge, some concentration #FRAENG
In the first 45 minutes, Eric Dier and Kylian Mbappe also had good efforts at goal, while Paul Pogba was irresistible controlling the play for Les Bleus, per The Times' Matt Dickinson:
France had the momentum at the start of the second half, but they were dealt a hammer blow two minutes after the break when Varane felled Alli in the box to concede a penalty.
The Real Madrid defender was then controversially sent off—his challenge on Alli looked fairly innocuous and was likely accidental—after match official Davide Massa consulted with the video assistant referee, per football writer Robin Bairner:
That red card for #Varane is astonishing. Especially given this is a friendly.
Kane equalised from the spot by firing down the middle as his Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Hugo Lloris dived out of the way.
England's numerical advantage showed immediately after the equaliser, as they dominated possession, but France built back into the game and were clearly intent on playing for the win despite the absence of Varane.
Mbappe created space wonderfully in the box with some quick footwork 20 minutes from time, but his curling effort crashed off the crossbar.
The 18-year-old made amends eight minutes later, however, teeing up Dembele to fire into the corner from the edge of the box after poor defensive play by Gary Cahill.
Olivier Giroud Strikes Incredible Goal for France Against Sweden
In a World Cup qualifier on Friday against Sweden, Giroud supplied a moment of absolute beauty, striking home Les Bleus' opening goal that left jaws on the floor.
The out-of-favour Arsenal man is proving his worth with the national setup and giving his club manager Arsene Wenger something to think about.
Olivier Giroud (27) equals Karim Benzema in joint-eighth place on France's all-time top scorers list. Next: Youri Djorkaeff (28). #swefra
France Defeats Paraguay 5-0 Behind Olivier Giroud Hat-Trick
Jun 2, 2017
France's forward Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring his second goal during the friendly football match between France and Paraguay on June 2, 2017 at the Roazhon park stadium in Rennes, western France. / AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER (Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)
A hat-trick from Olivier Giroud saw France to a 5-0 friendly win over Paraguay at the Stade de la Route de Lorient on Friday night.
The Arsenal forward netted twice early in the first period to put the hosts in complete control of the contest. Giroud was then on the spot again in the second half to grab his third, while Moussa Sissoko and Antoine Griezmann rounded off the rout.
Didier Deschamps' side looked in tremendous form ahead of a critical FIFA World Cup qualifying game on June 9 in Solna, Sweden. France are three points ahead of the Scandinavian outfit at the summit of Group A.
International managers crave chemistry in these types of contests given the players spend so much of the season apart. So Deschamps would have been delighted with the way in which his side started this one.
France's head coach Didier Deschamps attends the friendly football match France vs Spain on March 28, 2017 at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Ima
The hosts were on the front foot from the off, pinning back their South American opponents with slick passing. Within six minutes, they had the award for early dominance, with Ousmane Dembele slipping in Giroud to fire France in front.
Per Tom Coast of Sport Witness, the Dortmund winger did brilliantly to set up the striker:
Deschamps showing Wenger how to get the best out of Giroud. All #AFC need to do now is buy Ousmane Dembélé. Simple.
France's tails were up from this point, and while Paraguay did carry a threat on the break, they were looking ropey at the back.
The French forwards were keen to take advantage and were consistently finding space on the flanks. That was always going to be a danger for the visitors, especially with Dimitri Payet's ability to pick out such pinpoint crosses.
France's forward Olivier Giroud scores a goal during the friendly football match between France and Paraguay on June 2, 2017 at the Roazhon park stadium in Rennes, western France. / AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER (Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AF
It was the Arsenal man on the end of the ball into the box, doubling his side's advantage with a determined finish.
Dembele could have made it three soon after but shot wide when well placed in the penalty area. For the rest of the half, the hosts controlled possession and ensured Paraguay rarely ventured out of their own half.
At the interval, Deschamps withdrew the likes of Payet, Dembele and Paul Pogba, and unsurprisingly France's play lacked the punch it had initially.
Some chances still came. Griezmann, uncharacteristically quiet on the night, had one of the best opportunities, slashing over from close range. Indeed, it was his fellow forward who had his shooting boots on on Friday.
France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) celebrates with France's forward Alexandre Lacazette after scoring a goal during the friendly football match between France and Paraguay on June 2, 2017 at the Roazhon park stadium in Rennes, western France. / AFP PH
Again, Giroud capitalised on good work from out wide, as left-back Lucas Digne scurried forward and fizzed in a brilliant cross for the striker to turn home. Football journalist Andrew Gibney was delighted to see the striker performing so well:
Hat-trick for GIROUD! But yeah, Benzema is better for this France team 😉😉 https://t.co/XLq8nSIRet
Giroud was withdrawn to a rapturous reception after netting his third goal of the evening, with Alexandre Lacazette entering the fray. The Lyon forward made an immediate impact, setting up Sissoko to make it four for France.
Per Robin Bairner of Goal, France were really beginning to rub it in at this stage:
GOAL! #France 4-0 #Paraguay. Moussa Sissoko is presented with an open goal by substitute Lacazette. France on 🔥🔥🔥
Paraguayan chins were buried in chests at this point, with Les Bleus starting to run riot. And Griezmann finally got his goal 12 minutes from time—the home side's third in nine minutes—after latching on to a loose ball into the box after some poor defending.
After netting their fifth, France did take their foot off the gas in the final stages, as the match ambled to a close. The fluidity, physicality and depth they displayed on Friday is another reminder that they are going to be serious contenders in Russia in 2018.
France vs. Paraguay: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule for 2017 Friendly
Jun 2, 2017
France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates his goal during their World Cup 2018 Group A qualifying soccer match against Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel stadium in Luxembourg on Saturday, March 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
France take on Paraguay in an international friendly in Lorient on Friday with much of the attention likely to focus on the transfer status of one of Les Bleus' biggest stars.
Specifically, forward Antoine Griezmann has been the subject of consistent transfer rumours in recent days, linking him with a potential move to Manchester United, while Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is still being left out at international level.
Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:
Griezmann had been expected to leave Atletico Madrid and join United this summer. Yet James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph reported the Red Devils have now cooled on the idea of signing Griezmann.
The player himself had recently said he's happy with Atleti and is just focused on France's upcoming games, per AS: "I am good at the club. My agents are talking with Atletico and we will see what happens. My future will be decided this summer. If I do leave this summer, the date will depend on the qualifying phase of the World Cup."
France's forward Antoine Griezmann attends a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2017.
Team France prepares for the friendly football match against Paraguay to be held on June 2 and World Cup qualifier against Sweden on June 9. / AFP
Before Griezmann can concentrate on qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he must prove his match sharpness against Paraguay. It will likely mean continuing his partnership with Arsenal man Olivier Giroud.
The Gunners striker continues to be preferred to Benzema. Deschamps didn't pick Benzema for the squad, a decision the 29-year-old appeared to mock on social media, something the national team boss called "pathetic," per Metro.
Deschamps went into detail about his selections to French publication L'Equipe (h/t James Dale of Sky Sports): "The team of France was built before Euro (2016), consolidated through the competition, it continued to be in this phase of qualifications. I have a band in which there is a balance, a harmony."
Two exciting young attackers in Deschamps' squad who may feature in the friendly are Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele and AS Monaco's Thomas Lemar. The pair have emerged as breakout stars at club level this season, per Squawka Football:
Two U21 players recorded 10+ assists in Europe's top 5 leagues this season:
As for Paraguay, they will hope their defence has recovered from shipping three goals to Brazil last time out. If not, the likes of Griezmann, Dembele and Lemar could run riot.
At least Paraguay can count on their own menace in forward areas, thanks to dynamic midfielders Derlis Gonzalez and Oscar Romero. Both can create and score goals.
Paraguay's forward Derlis Gonzalez (R) vies for the ball with Brazil's defender Marquinhos during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Miguel SCHINCARIOL (Photo credit should read
For now, Deschamps won't care where his players intend to play their club football next season. Instead, he'll want key figures on form against Paraguay as the French prepare for a critical qualifier in Sweden on Friday, June 9.
Luxembourg vs. France: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying
Mar 25, 2017
France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) is congratuled by France's forward Olivier Giroud after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match Luxembourg vs France on March 25, 2017 at Josy Bartel stadium in Luxembourg. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France defeated Luxembourg on their travels in UEFA Group A qualification for the FIFA 2018 World Cup, toppling their opponents 3-1 at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg City on Saturday.
A brace from Olivier Giroud and penalty from Antoine Griezmann was enough for Les Bleus, but Luxembourg shocked the major nation with a first-half equaliser as Aurelien Joachim netted from a spot kick.
Wonderkid Kylian Mbappe of Monaco made his debut for France after coming on as a second-half substitute, and the visitors closed out the contest with ease.
France's forward Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match Luxembourg vs France on March 25, 2017 at Josy Bartel stadium in Luxembourg. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FI
Giroud and Griezmann were recalled to the starting XI after omissions from France's friendly against the Ivory Coast in November. Luxembourg entered the contest without a victory since beating Greece in 2015.
The French took control in the opening moments, with Griezmann being denied by goalkeeper Anthony Moris, but the stopper soon left with an injury, forcing the hosts to regroup.
Luxembourg offered resistance in the first half but fell behind to a goal from Giroud after excellent work from Djibril Sidibe. The full-back beat his marker on the right after 28 minutes, feeding the striker with an easy chance.
Squawka Football highlighted the Arsenal man's effort after his first goal of the game:
Olivier Giroud has now scored 12 goals in his last 19 games for France.
The Red Lions shocked the visitors just six minutes later as they grabbed an equaliser by Joachim from the penalty spot.
Blaise Matuidi was punished for a sloppy challenge in the box, allowing the striker to send goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
The home supporters celebrated with verve as their team stunned the French.
France refused to rest on their laurels after the disappointment of conceding and were back in front three minutes later as Griezmann converted from the spot.
France's forward Ousmane Dembele (L) is tackled by Luxembourg's midfielder Chris Philipps during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Luxembourg and France on March 25, 2017, at the Josy Barthel Stadium in Luxembourg. / AFP PHOTO /
Daniel Alves da Mota was shown the yellow card as he fouled the marauding Sidibe, but Griezmann only just found the back of the net as Ralph Schon got his fingertips to the shot.
After leading 2-1 at half-time, Les Bleus struggled to step through the gears in the second half, and Luxembourg could smell a second equaliser as they attempted to counter-attack.
Stefano Bensi wasted a good opportunity as France wobbled in defence, but the hosts could not exploit their opponent's lacklustre defending.
The pace of the match evaporated in the final 20 minutes as the French did the bare minimum against inferior opposition, but there were nervous looks from manager Didier Deschamps on the bench.
France's forward Olivier Giroud (R) heads the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match Luxembourg vs France on March 25, 2017 at Josy Bartel stadium in Luxembourg. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIF
The points were finally sealed after 76 minutes as Giroud nodded home after N'Golo Kante linked with Benjamin Mendy.
According to Squawka, the goal made Giroud his country's 10th all-time goalscorer, as he bagged his 23rd strike of his career.
There was time for Deschamps to give Mbappe his first taste of senior football in the colours of his country, as he came on as a substitute after 78 minutes for Dimitri Payet.
The third goal killed off Luxembourg's ambitions, and the French strolled to victory in the closing stages.
Post-Match Reaction
Deschamps gave an update on Sidibe after the match as the player was rushed to hospital with injury, per Get French Football News:
Djibril Sidibé rushed to hospital after a serious injury vs Luxembourg tonight. Tells journalists: "I'm in pain." pic.twitter.com/lP8McvkO5Q
France remain top of Group A with 13 points from five games.
Luxembourg vs. France: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream and Preview
Mar 25, 2017
(From L) French national football team's defender Benjamin Mendy, midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, midfielder Thomas Lemar, midfielder Corentin Tolisso and forward Kylian Mbappe run during a training session on March 20, 2017, in Clairefontaine near Paris as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming World Cup 2018 qualifiers. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France will look to consolidate their position atop 2018 FIFA World Cup Group A on Saturday when they face Luxembourg at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg City.
Les Bleus are top of the group with 10 points after four matches, while Luxembourg have just one point courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Belarus.
Read on for a preview of the contest, but first here are the viewing details you need to catch the action:
France are unbeaten in the six matches they've played since losing to Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2016 final, including a 3-1 friendly victory against Italy and qualifying wins over the Netherlands and Sweden.
Didier Deschamps' side are three points ahead of the pair, and with only one automatic qualification place up for grabs per group—and one play-off place in each for the eight best runners-up—it's imperative they continue to get points on the board, as one of the three sides will miss out entirely.
Luxembourg shouldn't pose much difficulty for France—their only win since November 2015 was awarded to them by FIFA after Albania fielded an ineligible player to beat them 2-0 in a friendly last year—so they should be using the match as a way to bolster their goal difference.
Per the national side's official Twitter account, Deschamps has selected a great deal of attacking power to help France take on Luxembourg and then Spain in a friendly on Tuesday in Paris:
Almost any side in world football would be content with such an array of goalscoring talent, though one striker is conspicuous by his absence—Alexandre Lacazette.
The Lyon forward has struck an incredible 29 goals in all competitions this term, including 23 in 24 Ligue 1 appearances.
French football experts Andrew Gibney and Julien Laurens discussed his snub:
it's the Gameiro - Griezmann connection and Giroud offers a different profile. But I agree, it's harsh on Lacazette.
One eye-catching selection is AS Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe, who has had a sensational campaign in his own right, per football writer Philippe Auclair:
The 18-year-old has also provided 11 assists for his team-mates in that time and is fully deserving of his first call-up to the senior side.
Per the Mirror's Liam Prenderville, Deschamps hinted he could make his debut on Saturday:
Kylian is putting in some great performances at the moment. There is no reason why he could not start. The fact that it is his first time with the national team does not mean he cannot start. But we should not move too fast.
That I called him up does mean that he will play at some point, though. All the players who I called up should have the ambition to start.
Despite the Spain match being a friendly, it is perhaps more likely that Mbappe will feature against Luxembourg, particularly if he is rewarded with a start.
The forward may be the youngster on the team, but he's been terrorising defences in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this season, so there's little to suggest he won't be able to thrive on the international stage, too, especially against a side ranked 135th in the world by FIFA.
Karim Benzema's France National Team Involvement Discussed by Didier Deschamps
Nov 22, 2016
NICE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 8: Karim Benzema of France celebrates scoring a goal during the international friendly match between France and Armenia at Allianz Riviera stadium on October 8, 2015 in Nice, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
France coach Didier Deschamps has opened the door for a potential return to the national team for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, saying the striker could be recalled if it is in the best interests of the squad.
Benzema has not represented Les Bleus since October 2015 and was left out of the squad that reached the final of Euro 2016 after his alleged involvement in a blackmail attempt against international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, per the Guardian.
However, Deschamps has now confirmed the 28-year-old is not out of the reckoning for good, per beIN Sports (via Goal's Stefan Coerts):
There is no Benzema case for me. That is something the media have created.
It is clear that he was an important player for France and then some things happened. Every time I take a decision, I look at what is best for the team and I will continue to make my decisions based on that principle.
But that does not mean Benzema's situation will still be the same in four or six months. There is a team that is doing well and has a common goal, but nothing is permanent.
If I call up Benzema, it will be with the intention to play him. It is the same with Patrice Evra. I do not call up players like them to put them on the bench. They have a certain status with the national team.
I can only repeat that I take decisions that I think are in the team's best interest.
Benzema made his debut for France in 2007, and his international record stands at 27 goals in 81 appearances.
He remains one of the most effective strikers in Europe, and although he has suffered with injury so far in 2016-17, he has managed four goals in 473 minutes of La Liga action for Real, per WhoScored.com.
That is one fewer than Kevin Gameiro has netted in 704 minutes of league action for Atletico Madrid this season and one more than Arsenal's Olivier Giroud has scored in 109 minutes in the Premier League, with the pair having alternated as Deschamps' preferred No. 9 in recent France internationals.
The main striker's role in the French starting XI has not been locked down by either Gameiro or Giroud, and—based on Deschamps' comments—Benzema could make it his own again if he shows his value.
Antoine Griezmann was France's most prolific goalscoring outlet at Euro 2016 and is undroppable, but the position just ahead of the Atleti talisman is still up for grabs.
Per Real, Benzema returned from his recent injury when he made an appearance from the bench in Los Blancos' 3-0 defeat of Atletico on Saturday:
He could return to manager Zinedine Zidane's starting lineup for their UEFA Champions League group clash at Sporting CP on Tuesday, per Alberto Pinero and Ben Hayward of Goal.
In 2015-16, Benzema netted 24 league goals in 27 appearances—a better league tally than Griezmann, Giroud and Gameiro—goalscoring form that, in normal circumstances, would have seen him play a part at Euro 2016.
Deschamps' confirmation that Benzema is not permanently out of the picture means, if he can enjoy a prolific period of form between now and France's next match against Luxembourg in March, a return to the national team after over a year's absence could be on the cards.
Didier Deschamps Is the Right Man to Lead France to 2018 World Cup in Russia
Jul 13, 2016
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Coach of France Didier Deschamps looks on during the UEFA Euro 2016 final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
With the 2016 UEFA European Championship now over, beaten finalists France can turn their attention towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Les Bleus qualified automatically for this summer’s tournament as hosts and will need to advance from Group A, which features the Netherlands, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg, if they want to go to eastern Europe in two years’ time.
As far as qualifying groups go, this one should not be too difficult to navigate.
The Dutch failed to qualify for Euro 2016, while Sweden—who left France without a single player scoring a goal—are a much less daunting task minus the recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
France's coach Didier Deschamps looks dejected after Portugal won the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should r
Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg all have the potential to make things difficult for the French, but on paper at least, the 1998 champions should reach Russia comfortably.
With their qualifying group known, the next question facing France was who will lead the team for the duration of the campaign. Coach Didier Deschamps has already confirmed that he will be in charge until the end of the 2018 World Cup.
Speaking shortly after last Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat in extra time to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final, the 47-year-old tactician revealed he will stay on with the squad in a decision that was taken before the Stade de France showpiece, as reported by ESPN FC’s Mark Rodden.
“Yes, I'm staying,” Deschamps said. “It was planned that way. I am not going to think about myself. I will need time to digest everything. The players are going to start again at their clubs. I am going to analyse things with my staff and we will start again on what is waiting for us in two years.”
France's coach Didier Deschamps (L) consoles France's forward Antoine Griezmann after France lost 1-0 in the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK
On the whole, Deschamps remaining at the helm for qualification and—presumably—the finals afterwards is the right decision.
The former Olympique de Marseille boss did make some questionable decisions during Euro 2016, but he ultimately guided the team to a deep run on home soil, and a berth in the final arguably exceeded pre-tournament expectations.
Deschamps’ inability to settle on a starting XI until the latter stages this summer is arguably the biggest criticism that can be levelled at him.
TOPSHOT - France's coach Didier Deschamps reacts after the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE
It is true that the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning former captain did play around with his squad a little too often in the group stage and into the round of 16.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that France lost Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho before the tournament began, and all three are normally key players under Deschamps.
Although the absence of Benzema was expected, the losses of Varane and Sakho were not and meant the French coach had to construct a new central-defensive partnership consisting of Laurent Koscielny and Adil Rami—the Sevilla man was not even part of the squad initially.
Had Deschamps had all of his players available for selection pre-tournament, then his final squad and regular starting XI would have looked different to the one we saw this summer.
Aside from those selection issues, the man from Bayonne can be challenged on his substitutions in the final.
Deschamps opted to start the hardworking but technically limited Moussa Sissoko and replaced Dimitri Payet, Olivier Giroud and the Newcastle United man with Kingsley Coman, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Anthony Martial over the 120 minutes played at the Stade de France.
The result was a 1-0 defeat to a 109th-minute strike from Portugal substitute Eder, and Deschamps does have to shoulder his part of the blame for that loss. However, the players were also at fault for allowing complacency to slip in after Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off injured early on.
Also influential in the defeat to the Portuguese was the fact that France only had two days to rest between their semi-final win over Germany, while Fernando Santos’ men had three.
France's coach Didier Deschamps reacts as he watches the game during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should re
Overall, dismissing Deschamps on the back of the defeat to Portugal would have been unjustified—especially as Les Bleus were not expected to go all the way before the tournament began.
The former Juventus tactician still managed to guide his country to the final, and had Gignac’s late chance gone in and not come back off the post, he would be being celebrated for masterminding a Euro victory on home soil.
Deschamps is the right man to lead the French to Russia 2018 because there has been clear progress made since he took over back in 2012.
France's coach Didier Deschamps looks on during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Ge
After a poor Euro 2012 campaign under Laurent Blanc ended in controversy, Deschamps was appointed and rebuilt the squad minus a number of bad influences.
They came close to not making it at all, but France did ultimately make it to Brazil in 2014, and once there, they went all the way to the quarter-finals.
Two years later, Les Bleus went two steps further than they did in South America and reached the final.
The results from these first two international tournaments under Deschamps—as well as the fact that he has persuaded the French public to get behind their national team once again after years of apathy toward their players—make a convincing case for him to stay on as coach.
On top of that, assuming there are no major controversies and no players get badly injured, Deschamps should have the likes of Benzema, Varane and Sakho available for selection once again, and he should be able to tackle qualification with what he sees as his strongest team.
Had Benzema been eligible for Euro 2016 selection, Deschamps would have picked him, and both Varane and Sakho would have featured heavily, too.
As well as those returning talents, France also have a large number of excellent young players emerging and Deschamps has done a good job of bringing them through so far.
In another two years’ time, the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembele should be featuring at senior level.
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Didier Deschamps manager of France prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Deschamps’ time in charge has been successful so far, and even though defeat to Portugal in the final was disappointing, Euro 2016 had already exceeded expectations by the time they got to Stade de France.
The team has shown clear signs of growth in the four years that Deschamps has been in charge, and the chances are they will do so again in Russia after this summer’s progress.
Crucially, though, expectations will be higher in 2018, and Deschamps will probably be tasked with bringing the World Cup trophy back to France.
Although they were beaten in the final by Portugal at Stade de France last Sunday, France’s 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign should be considered a success...
