Nine substitutions in the starting lineup in the last match with Tunisia did their dirty deed. The reigning world champion lost to the African team, while managing to stay in first place in the group. Didier Deschamps consciously took this step, which did not pay off tactically, but did not bring defeat in the strategic. What’s more, the coach took the chance to give the first team a rest before the ordeal of the playoffs. It is worth noting that today’s opponent is a principled one. The Blues lost their only head-to-head game in the penalty shootout. That was a long time ago. The game was over 40 years ago. Then the French because of Poland were outside the 1/8 finals. In recent years, brilliant performers have been playing for the team, which gives the right to demonstrate their strength and please after a series of fights without defeat after Euro 2016. Interesting fact is that France coach Didier Deschamps is one of three people to win the World Cup as a player and coach, along with Brazilian Mario Zagallo and German Franz Beckenbauer. Benzema and Hernandez will not be able to play today.
The defeat in the last game against Argentina (0:2) left an unpleasant aftertaste. The team played limply, while the expected superiority in attack did not bring any chances or even shots towards the goal. During the main time, today’s nominal guests never hit the target. Moreover, reaching the 1/8 finals was made possible thanks to Mexico, which failed to confidently defeat Saudi Arabia. However, repeating the same tactic will send the team home, but qualifying from the group in Poland is regarded as a success. The Eagles made the playoffs for the first time since the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. For three rounds, the “red-whites” got one win and a draw, while conceding and scoring twice. There is hope for an early goal in this game and for the talent of Szczesny, who, despite losing to Argentina, became only the second goalkeeper since 1966 to save a penalty in the World Cup, which was his second penalty in the tournament! More todays football predictions can be obtained from the link provided.
