DOHA, Qatar (AP) — France is seeking to develop into the primary nation to efficiently defend its World Cup title in 60 years and Didier Deschamps the primary coach to information his group to back-to-back championships since 1938.Have they got what it takes towards Argentina?Over his decade in cost, Deschamps has confirmed to be sensible and pragmatic and open to tactical modifications because the match calls for.At his disposal he has a gifted and cohesive squad led by ahead Kylian Mbappé, the star of France’s World Cup triumph in Russia 4 years in the past.Listed here are some keys to repeating that feat at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.MBAPPE’S SPEEDMbappé’s velocity, power and capturing accuracy are confirmed threats and have him on monitor at 23 to at some point develop into the all-time main scorer on the World Cup. He already has added 5 targets in Qatar to the 4 he scored in Russia in 2018.One of many defining breakout photos of Mbappé at that match in Russia was the foot race that earned France a penalty towards Argentina within the spherical of 16.His blistering tempo ought to put Argentina’s protection to the take a look at, however he’s not the one menace. Middle ahead Olivier Giroud has overtaken Thierry Henry to develop into the main scorer for the French nationwide group. Giroud has scored 4 targets to date in Qatar.Within the semifinals, Morocco uncovered the best way to exploit France’s left wing and Mbappé’s relative lack of safety for his protection. Argentina has a fast, attack-minded wing again in Nahuel Molina who — if he performs in the same function to Achraf Hakimi for Morocco — may help goal France left again Theo Hernández.Deschamps reacted on Wednesday by taking off Giroud, sending Mbappé into the center, and utilizing substitute Marcus Thuram on the left to each assault and defend Hernández. It additionally eased the burden on the hard-working France midfield led by Antoine Griezmann.Thuram and Mbappé then mixed to create the purpose for Randal Kolo Muani within the 2-0 victory over Morocco.SCORE FIRSTOnly as soon as previously 11 finals has the group that scored first did not win the trophy. That was France in 2006.It sounds so easy and it has labored for this technology of Les Bleus in World Cup knockout video games.France has scored first in every of the seven video games it performed from the spherical of 16 onward on the previous two World Cups.Croatia, conversely, by no means scored first in seven video games in the identical interval, and finally misplaced to France within the 2018 last and to Argentina within the semifinals on Tuesday.In reality, solely Argentina has led France in these seven video games — for a quick interval of their epic match in Kazan 4 years in the past.For 9 minutes within the second half, France trailed 2-1 till proper again Benjamin Pavard’s slicing shot — picked as purpose of the match — equalized. France gained that sport 4-3 after Mbappé additionally scored twice.Beneath Deschamps, France takes the lead and rapidly tightens the protection. His group appears by no means to panic at having to take in strain, like within the second half towards each England and Morocco.France had 36% possession within the 2-1 win over England within the quarterfinals and solely 34% within the semifinals, in keeping with FIFA statistics.That 34% determine was the identical within the semifinals for Argentina, which was joyful to cede the ball to Croatia, then hit laborious and quick when house opened.Argentina has not trailed in Qatar since its opening 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.STAY HEALTHYIllness is working by way of the France squad, because it did to Switzerland earlier in Qatar.The three middle backs France depend on — Raphaël Varane, Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano — all have been affected this week.Upamecano appears closest to full restoration and Varane’s standing is maybe the most important concern because the senior accomplice to his much less skilled teammates.Konaté was excellent towards Morocco coping with the 22 crosses into the penalty space France needed to defend.Argentina, with forwards Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez main the assault, desire to run laborious on the opposition protection or cross the ball with low passes into hazard areas. France’s protection will want clear heads and quick toes.Towards Morocco, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris usually despatched the ball lengthy, evading the urgent forwards and asking much less of his defenders.___
Key factors to how France can win one other World Cup title
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