DOHA, Qatar (AP) — France is looking to become the first country to successfully defend its World Cup title in 60 years and Didier Deschamps the first coach to…
France is looking to become the first country to successfully defend its World Cup title in 60 years and Didier Deschamps the first coach to guide his team to back-to-back championships since 1938.
Do they have what it takes against Argentina?
Over his decade in charge, Deschamps has proven to be smart and pragmatic and open to tactical changes as the match demands.
At his disposal he has a talented and cohesive squad led by forward Kylian Mbappé, the star of France’s World Cup triumph in Russia four years ago.
Here are some keys to repeating that feat at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
MBAPPE’S SPEED
Mbappé’s speed, strength and shooting accuracy are proven threats and have him on track at 23 to one day become the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup. He already has added five goals in Qatar to the four he scored in Russia in 2018.
One of the defining breakout images of Mbappé at that tournament in Russia was the foot race that earned France a penalty against Argentina in the round of 16.
His blistering pace should put Argentina’s defense to the test, but he’s not the only threat. Center forward Olivier Giroud has overtaken Thierry Henry to become the leading scorer for the French national team. Giroud has scored four goals so far in Qatar.
In the semifinals, Morocco exposed how to exploit France’s left wing and Mbappé’s relative lack of protection for his defense.
