Chinanews.com, Beijing, December 5th. Question: Compared with the secrets of defending the World Cup, what are the shortcomings of the French team?
Author Liu Xingchen
"Mbappe scored twice"
"The older Gru is, the more demon he gets"
"Griezmann was too steady"
When you see this, you know that the "Gallic Rooster" has won again.
In the early morning of the 5th Beijing time, the French team defeated the Polish team led by Lewandowski 3:1, and the defending champion became the third team to enter the top 8 of the World Cup in Qatar.
The picture shows the moment when French player Mbappe scored
After the Netherlands defeated the United States to advance to the quarter-finals, Dutch player Van Dijk said of the three wins away from the championship, saying, "Sounds easy, doesn't it?"
As the winner of the last World Cup, the French team, which entered the quarter-finals, is one step closer to defending the title.
Looking back at the history of the World Cup, there are only two teams that can successfully defend the title, the Italian team (1934, 1938) and the Brazilian team (1958, 1962).
Can the French team, which is going smoothly in the World Cup in Qatar, successfully defend its title?
The picture shows the French players in the game
Let's start by looking for some characteristics from the two successful defending teams.
In the 1938 World Cup, the Italian team successfully defended the title.
At that time, the "Azzurri" lineup was hailed as the golden generation. The goalkeeper Oliveri was outstanding, the captain Meazza had both offense and defense, and the striker Piola guaranteed the team's attack power.
In 1962, the Brazilian team also defended the title.
The defense led by Jalma Santos, Nilton Santos and others is very solid. The midfielder Didi is old and strong to lead the team. Although Pele is injured, winger Garrincha's sharp attack has become a major contributor to defending the title. .
Now, let us see how many steps the French team is away from defending the title?
The picture shows the game scene.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan
1 "The Curse of the Defending Champion"
It has been said for many years that "the defending champion will be eliminated in the group stage", that is, the champion team in the last World Cup will be eliminated in the group stage of the next World Cup.
This is also seen as the first step that the team needs to take to defend the title.
But don't worry, France have managed to break the spell.
In this World Cup group match, the French team was determined to qualify one round ahead of schedule, and finally secured the top spot in Group D.
The picture shows the French team match.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Tomita
After successfully breaking into the top 8 this time, the French team has reached the top 8 in three consecutive World Cups.
This step, the French team√
2 There are veterans to stabilize the morale of the army
In the World Cup, any slight mistake may ruin all the efforts of the team.
At this time, the phrase "an old man is like a treasure" is especially applicable.
In today's French team, there is a veteran who not only stabilizes the morale of the army, but even a little bit "the older the more demon".
The game in the early morning of the 5th Beijing time was the first match of the French team's knockout stage.
At the end of the first half, Giroud received a pass from Mbappe at the front of the penalty area. After turning around, he volleyed through the ten fingers of Polish goalkeeper Szczesny.
The picture shows the moment when French player Giroud scored
In this regard, the 36-year-old veteran surpassed the legendary Henry and was awarded the top scorer in the history of the French national team.
Giroud has scored 3 goals in this game. In the first match of the group stage, he scored twice.
Although Giroud is old, he can still fight.
A French high center forward who has the ability to stand up, make the ball, and finish, he has proved that he is in good condition with practical actions.
This step, the French team√
3 There are efficient shooters to attack the city
In the same 1/8 final match against Poland, Mbappe scored 2 goals.
Compared with winning the best rookie award in the World Cup 4 years ago, the 23-year-old's deterrence has been further improved.
So far in the group stage, the striker has penetrated the opponent's goal 5 times.
After scoring 2 goals today, his total World Cup goals surpassed Maradona and Ronaldo's 8 goals, and tied Messi's 9 goals.
Leading the World Cup scorer list.
The picture shows the French player Mbappe in the game.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan
At the same time, he surpassed Pele to become the male footballer with the most World Cup goals before the age of 24.
In the game, Mbappe's excellent attack speed can always leave the opponent behind, and when he completes the shot, he can also create more opportunities for his teammates.
Netizens couldn't help saying: Mbappe is too strong.
The striker combination of him and Giroud has scored 8 goals for the French team in this game, with amazing efficiency.
This step, the French team√
4. Has both offensive and defensive leadership players
In this competition, because the French team's striker was too eye-catching, many people ignored Griezmann's role on the court.
In the group match against the Danish team, Griezmann, who sent a wonderful pass, tied Zidane with 26 assists and tied for the second place in the history of the French team.
The picture shows French player Griezmann caught in a fight with his opponent
Today, he has completely revitalized the French team's frontcourt offense.
As the core player in the team, Griezmann can attack and defend.
It was his continuous retreat and defense that further liberated Special Olympics and others to advance and participate in the offense.
Compared with 4 years ago, the leadership qualities of this "team brain" are more prominent.
This step, the French team√
5 unite in battle
After the victory over Poland, Giroud admitted that he would put the record behind him.
"Right now I just want to go as far as possible with the team. Our World Cup adventure continues and we have to stay united."
In this sentence, another important step for the team to achieve the defense of the title is to maintain unity.
The picture shows the French team players in defense
Whether it is between players or generals, unity is what the team needs to do in the World Cup.
If it is mixed with internal strife, the result can be imagined...
As the third runner-up of the last World Cup, the Belgian team failed to break through the group this time.
The constant quarrels in the locker room may be the cause of their poor performance.
This step, the French team√
6 The back line is solid
The Italian team and the Brazilian team, which successfully defended their titles many years ago, without exception, have very solid defenses.
Due to injury, AC Milan goalkeeper Maignan was unable to travel with the team to Qatar.
In this game, Lloris served as the main goalkeeper of the French team, but his state in the league this season is not stable.
The picture shows the moment when the Tunisian players broke through the goal of the French team
After the absence of Kanter and Pogba, the French midfielder is slightly younger.
Although Joan Ameni and others have outstanding talents, they do not have rich experience in competitions.
In the 4 games that have been played, the French team has conceded goals.
As the game progressed, the French team wanted to go further and needed to reduce their own mistakes in the defense.
This step, the French team ×
7 There are surprises on the bench
When they lost to Tunisia in the last round of the group stage, France coach Didier Deschamps rotated 9 players in the starting list.
However, judging from the progress of the game, the substitute players did not meet outside expectations.
Frequent mistakes and lack of desire to attack put the French team in a passive position on the scene. Didier Deschamps had to send the main players to play in the second half.
The picture shows the French team player (blue) with the ball.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Tomita
In the knockout game of "lose and go home", the gestures must be studied on the key players of the French team.
If surprise soldiers can be tapped from the bench, it may have an impact on the trend of the game.
This step, the French team ×
In the quarter-finals, the French team will face the England team.
In this World Cup, the "Three Lions" have demonstrated terrifying attacking capabilities and are the team with the most goals so far.
The striker led by Kane and Rashford will bring great challenges to the French defense.
The two teams are bound to dedicate a wonderful duel.
To sum up, this French team has begun to take shape as a champion.
As for the defending title, they are still 2-3 steps away.
(Finish)