The defending champions seem confident they can overcome the pragmatic and well-trained Australian team. Also, France and Australia faced in the 2018 Russia World Cup where the former won 2-1.
In theory, they have a team that makes most FIFA 23 players salivate.
Midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, both crucial to their success in 2018, have been dropped, and in the days since head coach Didier Deschamps announced his squad. , two other well-known names were forced to withdraw.
Losing Christopher Nkunku is a heavy loss even though the RB Leipzig striker is unlikely to start, 48 times he has scored (37 goals and 11 assists) in 2022 only behind his French teammate Kylian Mbappe (57 - 43 goals). and 14 assists) among players from Europe's top five leagues.
Then there was the withdrawal of Karim Benzema, a pivotal event as the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner scored a spectacular 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season, helping the Spanish giants. won La Liga and the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Australia won only 13% of their matches at the World Cup (two out of 16); only Bulgaria (12% – three out of 26) had a lower win rate among nations that played 10 or more games at the finals.
They have also suffered an injury, with Martin Boyle withdrawing after failing to recover from a knee injury. Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio has replaced him, and Arnold is backing the 21-year-old to step up.
“Marco has done everything that has been asked of him to be ready for this tournament,” Arnold said. “He was an important member of our Tokyo 2020 Olympic team, he has started the A-League men’s season well and he is familiar with the national team set-up and we are looking forward to what he can bring to our squad for the tournament.”
"Obviously I have this goal, this kind of bonus in mind to beat [Henry], but the main goal of the whole team is to get as far as possible in the league," the Milan striker said at a press conference on Friday.
On the other hand, what the Australian team lacks in experience is offset by youth - and most likely a desire to challenge France.
Still, Australia also boasts Cadiz's talented winger Awer Mabil in their ranks, as does teenage player Garang Kuol, who recently signed for Newcastle United in the Premier League. Ajdin Hrustic, who won the 2022 Europa League and is currently playing in Serie A, appears to have recovered from injury and will be able to bring a creative spark in midfield.
Lewis says there is little expectation in Australia that their team will get past Les Bleus. Still, she admits some cautious optimism. “France is no longer the force it was four years ago thanks to a series of untimely and dramatic injuries in the camp,” she said. "So there are some loyal fans (myself included) who think they can score a goal or two if France takes as long to warm up to the tournament as they have in the past."
Match preview
Source: goal
In theory, they have a team that makes most FIFA 23 players salivate.
Midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, both crucial to their success in 2018, have been dropped, and in the days since head coach Didier Deschamps announced his squad. , two other well-known names were forced to withdraw.
Losing Christopher Nkunku is a heavy loss even though the RB Leipzig striker is unlikely to start, 48 times he has scored (37 goals and 11 assists) in 2022 only behind his French teammate Kylian Mbappe (57 - 43 goals). and 14 assists) among players from Europe's top five leagues.
Then there was the withdrawal of Karim Benzema, a pivotal event as the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner scored a spectacular 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season, helping the Spanish giants. won La Liga and the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Australia won only 13% of their matches at the World Cup (two out of 16); only Bulgaria (12% – three out of 26) had a lower win rate among nations that played 10 or more games at the finals.
They have also suffered an injury, with Martin Boyle withdrawing after failing to recover from a knee injury. Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio has replaced him, and Arnold is backing the 21-year-old to step up.
“Marco has done everything that has been asked of him to be ready for this tournament,” Arnold said. “He was an important member of our Tokyo 2020 Olympic team, he has started the A-League men’s season well and he is familiar with the national team set-up and we are looking forward to what he can bring to our squad for the tournament.”
Team News
Source: theguardian
"Obviously I have this goal, this kind of bonus in mind to beat [Henry], but the main goal of the whole team is to get as far as possible in the league," the Milan striker said at a press conference on Friday.
On the other hand, what the Australian team lacks in experience is offset by youth - and most likely a desire to challenge France.
Still, Australia also boasts Cadiz's talented winger Awer Mabil in their ranks, as does teenage player Garang Kuol, who recently signed for Newcastle United in the Premier League. Ajdin Hrustic, who won the 2022 Europa League and is currently playing in Serie A, appears to have recovered from injury and will be able to bring a creative spark in midfield.
Lewis says there is little expectation in Australia that their team will get past Les Bleus. Still, she admits some cautious optimism. “France is no longer the force it was four years ago thanks to a series of untimely and dramatic injuries in the camp,” she said. "So there are some loyal fans (myself included) who think they can score a goal or two if France takes as long to warm up to the tournament as they have in the past."
Source: theguardian
France possible starting lineup:
Lloris - Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez - Tchouameni, Rabiot - Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe - Giroud
Australia possible starting lineup:
Ryan - Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich - Hrustic, Mooy, Irvine - Leckie, Duke, Goodwin
Source: theguardian