The two favorites in Group B of the Euro 2024 qualifiers faced off in a key match past the midway stage of their campaign. The Netherlands had to win to be sure of holding on to second place in the group, but France had other ideas as they took the chance to seal their spot […]
Defeated World Cup finalists France were back in action were in action for the first time since that fateful night in Lusail, as they kicked off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. They faced the Netherlands, for whom Ronald Koeman was back in the dugout for a second stint. It did not prove to be a […]
The passing of the torch or the crowning of a glorious legacy? Two stars graced the grandest global stages in a fixture whose symbolic significance would dominate the narrative. Only one could take home the trophy, but both figures lived up to the billing in a spectacle for the ages. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Morocco have not shied away from any challenge and did not shrink in this fixture either. The setback of an early deficit did not dissuade them from showing other weapons in their armory, but the sharpness of the French tools was enough to blunt their resistance and end the dream. Tactical analysis and match report […]
England went behind early on to Aurélien Tchouaméni’s long range effort and found it difficult to break through France’s flexible defensive scheme in the first half. After the break Gareth Southgate’s side were livelier and were able to draw level thanks to Harry Kane’s penalty. An Olivier Giroud header and a Kane penalty miss late […]
France and England have not always appeased fans but now compete as two of the favorites to claim the trophy. This preview shows how their leaders have followed similar paths to reach the quarter-finals and how these choices could go on to determine the course of this contest. This tactical preview was written by Emmanuel […]
France became the first Men’s World Cup defending champions in sixteen years to appear in the knockouts as they took on Poland in the Round of Sixteen. They were the clear favorites for this match, and although they took a while to get going, they brushed their opponents aside once they did. Tactical analysis and […]
The big Group D fixture in the second round of fixtures saw the two European sides square off. After Tunisia’s loss to Australia, France knew that a win here would see them through to the knockouts and almost guarantee first place in their group. It took them a while, but with the contribution of one […]
France began their World Cup title defence with a comprehensive Australia in the final fixture on Tuesday night. They did suffer an early scare as they conceded the opening goal, but it was all one-way traffic thereafter. In the process, they also seemed to find the right setup in possession that gets the most out […]
Generally, going into a tournament as the defending champions is a good thing, but that is perhaps not the case in the FIFA Men’s World Cup. In each of the last three editions, the holders have been knocked out in the group stage, and France themselves suffered this fate the last time they were in […]