France Secure World Cup Berth with Dominant Second-Half Display
France comfortably secured their place in the upcoming World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ukraine at the Stade de France, though the occasion was marked by solemn reflection on the tenth anniversary of the Paris attacks. The match, played on November 13th, created what manager Didier Deschamps described as a "heavy and oppressive" atmosphere, with the joy of qualification tempered by remembrance.
Deschamps' Final Chapter and Squad Evolution
This competitive match marked Deschamps' final game on French soil as manager, with his 14-year tenure concluding after next summer's World Cup. Despite claiming not to be nostalgic, his recent selections reveal a manager balancing experience with renewal. The starting lineup against Ukraine boasted 397 combined caps, significantly fewer than the 664 caps possessed by the team that started the previous World Cup final.
Deschamps has initiated what he calls "oxygenisation" of the squad, introducing fresh talents like Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Hugo Ekitiké. However, he continues to place trust in experienced players such as N'Golo Kanté, recently recalled despite his move to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the challenge of blending established names with emerging talent.
Attacking Puzzle Remains Unresolved
The first half against Ukraine exposed ongoing issues within France's attack. Captain Kylian Mbappé acknowledged the performance was "laborious" initially, with a noticeable lack of cohesion between forwards. The absence of a traditional number nine like the retired Olivier Giroud was evident, creating a void in central areas and reducing the effectiveness of crosses.
Deschamps addressed these issues at halftime, urging his attacking trio to play closer together. The tactical adjustment proved immediately effective, sparking a remarkable second-half transformation where France scored four goals within 33 minutes.
Mbappé Leads the Charge as Newcomers Shine
Mbappé was instrumental in the victory, scoring two goals to bring his international tally to 55, now just two behind France's all-time record holder Olivier Giroud. The second-half resurgence also featured goals from newcomers Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitiké, whose introduction provided the presence in the box that had been lacking.
While Rayan Cherki saw plenty of possession, his final product remained inconsistent, suggesting the need for further development of understanding with Mbappé. Deschamps praised his captain's return to top form, stating "the national team will be stronger with Kylian at this level."
Despite the comfortable qualification, questions remain about France's attacking structure as they aim to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. The shift from Giroud's selfless foil to building around Mbappé as the central figure represents a significant tactical challenge for Deschamps in his final tournament in charge.
