DECRYPTION – Schedules, stakes, state of form… All about the last meeting of the Blues before next June and scheduled for this Tuesday evening in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
Where to follow France-South Africa?
For the second and last match of the world champions scheduled for March, the Pierre Mauroy stadium and its 58,000 spectators will host the France-South Africa meeting. Kick-off given at 9:15 p.m. in front of the TF1 cameras (a schedule that does not please anyone, whether it is the written press or even television viewers), but an appointment to follow also on our Figaro site with a live commentary and information from our special correspondent and follower of the Blues in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, Baptiste Desprez.
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What are the stakes of this “friendly” meeting?
Above all, do not mention the term “friendly” to Didier Deschamps when discussing the match between France and South Africa on Tuesday evening. The coach will take you on the fly, arguing that it is above all a “preparation” match for the next World Cup which takes place in eight months in Qatar. Once evacuated this semantic pitfall, the stakes are numerous for “DD” and his troops. Maintain the positive dynamic after the rebound glimpsed in the League of Nations last October, set up automatisms in the 3-4-3, glimpse newcomers like Jonathan Clauss at a right piston position where he could have a boulevard in case of a good performance … Not to mention the pleasure of observing the presence of Kylian Mbappé, who will find the pitch with Olivier Giroud for the first time since the Euro. Perfect time for the two men to prove that they have put aside their little difference from last summer.
Which team should Didier Deschamps line up?
Since the start of the rally, the coach has held the same speech, namely to give playing time to as many players as possible. Compared to last Friday and the success against Côte d’Ivoire in Marseille (2-1), the Blues should present themselves with a largely overhauled team. One certainty, Kylian Mbappé, absent due to an ENT infection at the Vélodrome, will be lined up on the Lille lawn. In the middle, N’Golo Kanté, affected by a family problem, will be there. Uncertain and absent during the session on Monday evening, Paul Pogba and Aurélien Tchouaméni should breathe. We should also see Jonathan Clauss in the role of right piston of the Blues, with a real card to play for the future in the event of a good performance. In the goal, Mike Maignan, excellent with Milan and very appreciated in the group, to replace Hugo Lloris.
The probable eleven of the Blues: Maignan – Clauss, Saliba, Varane (cap), Kimpembe, Digne – Kanté, Rabiot – Griezmann – Mbappé, Giroud (or Ben Yedder)
When will we see the Blues again after this meeting?
From Friday, you will have the opportunity to meet Didier Deschamps in Doha for the draw for the 2022 World Cup (November 21-December 18). Subsequently, the world champions will be expected again in Clairefontaine on May 30 to play four Nations League matches, of which they are title holders. On the program, reception of Denmark at the Stade de France on June 3, trip to Split to find Croatia three days later, then another trip to Austria on June 10 and finally the reception of the Croats on the 13 of the same month at the Stade de France. Afterwards, it will be a question of a great vacation.
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Why will Kylian Mbappé once again be the center of attention?
Package Friday night in Marseille (2-1 victory against Côte d’Ivoire) due to an ENT infection, the striker of the Blues should start this Tuesday against South Africa in Villeneuve d’Ascq. But the PSG striker, exceptional since this season in club or selection, has especially been talked about outside the field in recent days after having skipped a marketing operation with the sponsors of the France team on Tuesday. An attitude that has made a lot of talk. The reason ? Kylian Mbappé and his entourage do not feel in phase, in terms of image, with certain partners of the selection (online betting brand and fast food), and wish to renegotiate as soon as possible the collective agreement of 2010, put in place after the Knysna fiasco during the 2010 World Cup, which they consider obsolete. The subject is more than ever on the table of the French Football Federation.
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