This France World Cup campaign has plenty of potential to take Les Bleus a long way, with some of the most talented players in the world being part of the French side. See what Last Word on Football thinks of the France World Cup campaign and how likely the World Cup’s return to Paris is.
France World Cup Preview
France Key Player
It’s hard to look at the French national team without immediately considering Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar signed a new contract with the club last summer, taking more influence in the club than many footballers could ever dream of. The main threat from Mbappe is a combination of his incredible pace and ability to finish even difficult chances. One good through ball to the forward could crack a defence wide open and put his side ahead. Opponents will need to find some way to stop him, or he could be one of the most dangerous players at the tournament.
France Tactics
Didier Deschamps’ side tend toward a 4-3-3 shape. However, in spite of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann technically playing on the wing, they play a lot of the match cutting inside. The back four and three holding midfielders behind them provide plenty of defensive solidities, so these attacking players have all the license they could ever need to bomb on and cause some havoc.
In attack, the front line is joined by Les Bleus’ fullbacks. Modern wide defenders have a tendency to provide something of an attacking threat, and players like Theo Hernandez do this week in and week out at the club level. Expect to see plenty of France’s wing-backs causing chaos.
France Unexpected Star
Christopher Nkunku is hard to define as an under-the-radar player since anyone that touches a FIFA game knows all about him. However, he’s yet to truly make his mark outside the Bundesliga, and this is his opportunity. A highly versatile player with the ability to play as a centre-forward or as a number 10, the jewel in RB Leipzig’s crown could add a lot to his value by having a good World Cup. Minutes could be hard to come by behind Karim Benzema, but give Nkunku the opportunity and he’ll stamp his authority on the tournament.
France World Cup Prediction
France should get through the group stage with relative ease. Australia found their way to the World Cup through the playoffs and Tunisia, whilst not a bad side, don’t have the sheer pedigree of France. The real threat is in Denmark, a potential dark horse of the tournament. If Denmark beat France at Stadium 974, France have a far greater risk of facing Argentina in the round of 16. Didier Deschamps’ side could go a long way, but this relies on avoiding errors on every step of their route.
Last Word on Football recognise the human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout Qatar and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
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