2023-10-12 22:00:00
Superb display on Friday evening between the Netherlands and France, with the Blues potentially qualifying for Euro 2024.
Special correspondent in Amsterdam
What is at stake in this Netherlands-France?
It is twofold. Validate qualification for Euro 2024 (June 14-July 14) and secure first place in the group against the direct competitor. The Blues, leaders of the group with six points ahead of their opponent who has a game in hand, have continued to repeat this since the start of the week. “ We’re going to Amsterdam to win and qualify », harangues Ibrahima Konaté. After the disappointment in Germany (2-1) last month in a friendly, the France team has a job to finish and winning in Amsterdam against the 6th nation in the world would be tough. First place is not only symbolic since it would offer a more affordable draw at the beginning of December. Opposite, the Oranje and their 60,000 supporters (2,700 French people are announced in the Netherlands) intend to take revenge for the slap in the first leg (4-0, double from Mbappé, Griezmann and Upamecano), where the Blues already led 3-0 after 21 minutes of play. It will be interesting to see the vice-world champions evolve against a hostile context and the ultra-revanchist Dutch. A victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena and the ticket for the Euro would be validated. Even a draw, coupled with a defeat for Greece against Ireland, would make it official.
Which team will Didier Deschamps field?
The Blues’ defense, which has still not conceded a goal during the qualifying phases, will have a new look on Friday in Amsterdam. With the massacre suffered (Upamecano, Saliba, Koundé, Disasi, Kimpembe, Fofana, Badiashile…), Deschamps must adapt. In front of Mike Maignan, the hinge should see Lucas Hernandez and Ibrahima Konaté start, which would be a first association in the French team for the Parisian and the Red. On the right, Jonathan Clauss starts one step ahead of Benjamin Pavard, summoned in October as central but forced to slip back into the corridor due to multiple glitches. On the left, Théo Hernandez is essential. In the midfield, no surprises to expect with the Tchouaméni-Rabiot-Griezmann trio. The vice-captain continuing in his hybrid position. On the right, Kingsley Coman should start while on the left Kylian Mbappé will be there. Ahead, “DD” preference for Randal Kolo Muani, whose speed could play a role on Friday evening.
The probable eleven of the Blues
Maignan – Clauss, Konaté, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez – Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Coman, Kolo Muani, Mbappé
What are the Netherlands worth?
Even though most of their players already know each other, the Netherlands are still looking for each other. Rather effective at home against second-tier European nations with victories (3-0) against Gibraltar and Greece this year, they however have much more difficulty when the level rises. Their losses away against France (4-0), and at home against Croatia (2-4, ap) and Italy (2-3), respectively during the Euro 2024 qualifiers in March last and in the League of Nations last June, prove it well. Furthermore, the “Oranje” are currently decimated. Against the Blues, they will be deprived of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, to name a few. Suffice to say that the task promises to be difficult for Ronald Koeman and his men this Friday evening.
Why does Kylian Mbappé stay silent?
Because he does not want to be under fire for questions linked to his situation at PSG, as was the case last June in Faro with the Blues. Because his future in Paris, where he is at the end of his contract, is far from being officially decided. Because Real Madrid and Liverpool intend to win next summer and it’s happening now. Because Didier Deschamps, annoyed by the turn of events in Portugal this summer, does not want to relive the same sequence and hopes that the important meeting in the Netherlands will not be disrupted. So many reasons why the captain of the France team remains silent. It’s a shame for the French supporters, deprived of the never-tongued speech of their best player, but it was to be expected when giving him the armband. Kylian Mbappé, used to giving his opinion on many subjects, will try to respond on the ground. Where the public expects it the most.
What are the records to seek?
They are already collective at first. After five qualifying matches for the Euro, the France team had the luxury of conceding no goals. “ It’s a goal to finish the pools without conceding a single goal », Assumes Ibrahima Konaté. In this quest, the poster against the Netherlands stands out as the biggest challenge since in November the Blues will host Gibraltar, one of the weakest nations in Europe and will travel to Greece. In terms of individual records, Kylian Mbappé is only one length behind Michel Platini in the ranking of the top scorers in the history of the France team (41 against 40). Up front, Antoine Griezmann (43 goals and already the best passer in the history of the Blues with 28 units) also has Thierry Henry (51) and Olivier Giroud (54) in his sights. He can also improve his record of 80 matches in a row with the Blues since August 2017. Note also that the AC Milan striker should equal Lilian Thuram in the record of selections after 35 years (16 against 15 ) if he plays Friday night.
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