Nine changes were then too many: the B team of world champions France is not as world class as expected. Because the squad is already too weak in width due to a few injuries.
In view of its potential, world champions France could also send two teams to the World Cup in Qatar. That was a fairy tale that was often told before the tournament, given the apparently inexhaustible supply of good offensive players in particular. The 0-1 draw against Tunisia in the last group game showed that this no longer applies, at the latest after the injury-related absences.
After the absence of five top performers around N’Golo Kanté and star striker Karim Benzema, the Equipe Tricolore, which had been changed to nine positions, lost a deserved 0-1 against Tunisia. Until the offensive stars Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann came on, the world champion, who was still the group winner, was clearly inferior.
“Yes, we could have done better”
“I’m not going to criticize anyone,” said coach Didier Deschamps: “Yes, we could have done better. But I’m staying calm and relaxed. We’ve achieved our goal.” Games at this World Cup are “no longer 90-minute games, but 105-minute games,” said Deschamps, referring to the long stoppage times. That’s why the break is all the more important for some players. However, the game on Wednesday clearly showed that not much can happen in terms of personnel if France really wants to be the first team to successfully defend the title after Brazil 60 years ago.
And the defeat is also gnawing at the self-confidence of the French: They want to protest against Griezmann’s denial of the supposed equalizer in the eighth minute of injury time. The shooter’s offside position was clear, but the French FA argued that the decision should not have been reversed once the final whistle had blown.
Channel TF1 leaves the transmitter too early
By the way, the French television viewers didn’t even notice this strange scene. After the final whistle from referee Matt Conger, the transmitting channel TF1 left the station. Former Bayern professional Bixente Lizarazu analyzed as an expert: “At least this end feels good.” When the sport was back on the air after the commercial, moderator Denis Brogniart said, according to “L’Equipe”: “We were sure it was over.”
The broadcaster apologized to its viewers in the evening. “We apologize to everyone who was unable to experience this moment live,” it said in a statement shared by TF1 on its social media.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
