Fastgoal.com <World Cup 2018> - Group C - France Team Review

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France

FIFA World Ranking: 7
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 1.80
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.60
Qualifying Top Scorer: Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann (4)
World Cup Best Performance: Winners (1998)

Group C Opponents: Australia, Denmark and Peru


The Manager: Didier Deschamps
One of the most decorated Frenchmen of all time as a player, having won the Champions League with two different clubs, as well as of course lifting both the European Championship and World Cup as French captain, Deschamps will be bidding to repeat the feat as a manager here. In charge since 2012 Deschamps has won a respectable 46 from 72 games. To lose the European Championships in the final to Portugal in their last major tournament was a big disappointment, but if anyone knows how to win a World Cup, it’s Deschamps.


The Squad:
In terms of strength in depth, the French squad is just about the envy of the whole competition.

Hugo Lloris continues to be amongst the World’s best in goal. Raphael Varane is a majestic presence in defence, although his supporting cast could perhaps be stronger, with Samuel Umtiti still looking error prone at times. With the irrepressible N’Golo Kanté patrolling the midfield though, the defence aren’t often put under significant pressure.

In Midfield and attack France simply have too many World class players to squeeze into one line-up. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé….the list goes on.

One of Didier Deschamps biggest tasks has been to keep this talented squad happy, as no doubt all expect to play. It must be said he has managed that task with aplomb though with the infighting that has dogged previous campaigns almost entirely absent now.

In terms of raw ability, this French side look one of the more likely winners. It is now up to the players and manager to put it all together on the big stage.


Star Man: Antoine Griezmann
It may have ultimately ended in France falling at the final hurdle, but Euro 2016 really marked the arrival of Antoine Griezmann on the international scene. Player of the tournament and the top scorer at the finals, Euro 2016 showed that Griezmann belongs firmly in the world class bracket. Continuing to rack up the goals in a relatively negative Atletico Madrid side, he may not possess quite the bag of tricks as some of his team mates, but when he gets a chance, he invariably takes it.


Outlook:
One of the favourites to win the tournament, France are the top ranked and by some way most talented side in this Group. Having the best individuals doesn’t always translate into having the best side, but they should get through Australia and Peru without a hiccup before facing their stiffest test against Denmark in the final Group game. We wouldn’t be too surprised should both sides already have qualified headed into that game, and we see France and their vast array of attacking options doing enough to top the Group.


Group C Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2460.0

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