Match Previews
World Cup 2018
Round Group C
France
Last updated: Sat 16 June 2018 08:02France held by the USA last weekend. Doubts over the system and personnel. Four unbeaten, nevertheless. Giroud a concern. Koscielny out. Sidibe and Umtiti should be fine.
France finished their World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw against USA in Lyon last weekend. It was a very disappointing way to finish their warm ups, as they looked without ideas or without particular energy to their play. Against inexperienced opponents, this was not expected.
Les Bleus have been prone to hiccups in their concentration levels in recent months. They wasted leads against Germany and Colombia and have been rather irregular in their performances.
Before last weekend’s game, however, they had won three in succession, defeating Russia, Ireland and Italy.
Head coach Didier Deschamps has few serious injury or suspension problems noted heading into the opening match against Australia. Laurent Koscielny is a long-term absentee due to Achilles trouble.
France are liable to play in a 4-3-1-2 formation, which has been their preferred system in recent games. However, they are not habituated in using this framework, with Deschamps chopping and changing his system regularly in recent months. It is something he has been much criticised for.
The team deployed against the USA had been expected to be the one used against Australia, and while it is likely that it is again fielded, there must be doubts in the coach’s mind after such a mediocre display last time out.
Kylian Mbappe picked up a slight knock against the USA but has said it is nothing to worry about. He has since picked up an ankle injury in a training ground clash with Adil Rami, but again it has been played down.
Olivier Giroud, however, is doubtful with a head knock. Deschamps has said it is just a cut but he is tipped to leave the Chelsea attacker out of this clash along with Djibril Sidibe, who has also been carrying a minor issue.
The last time France faced Australia was a friendly in 2013, which they won 6-0 in Paris. However, the only competitive meeting between these sides actually went to the Aussies, who won 1-0 in the 2001 Confederations Cup.