France seeks the two-time championship: How much has Deschamps’ team changed since the Russia 2018 final?

‘Les bleus’, backed by their hierarchy, managed to prevail against the sensation of the World Cup, Morocco, in an intense semifinal (2-0). A goal from Theo Hernández and another from Randal Kolo Muani gave the French a pass to the final, where Argentina was already waiting.

Now it’s time to dispute the title once again. FranceObviously, she intends to defend her throne, but she knows very well that it will not be easy to overcome the champion of America. Sunday’s duel will bring sparks, but the reigning world champion has everything to win.

And it is that to reach a new final, Deschamps did not have to change many things. He kept the same base from Russia 2018 and added some emerging figures to consolidate a strong and compact team in Qatar 2022. It is no coincidence, then, that the French are close to a historic two-time championship.

How much has France changed?

In the first place, it must be taken into account that it never ceased to be a European power. The quality of its players has almost always been present. And, therefore, they did not have many complications to qualify for both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

On both occasions, the French team led their Qualifying group and got their direct ticket to the World Cup. The only difference, minimal, is that to reach Russia 2018 they lost one of their 10 games (seven wins and two draws). Instead, for Qatar 2022, they finished the qualifier undefeated, with five wins and three draws in eight games.

In any case, the level has been high on both roads to the World Cup and that was later reflected in the group stages of the World Cup. Four years ago, he led his group and now he has done it again despite a surprise loss to Tunisia.

As for the campus, itself, there are several modifications. Of the 23 called up for Russia 2018, only 10 players are still on the French squad today. But it is not about any player. Precisely those that still remain represent the backbones of ‘Les Bleus’.

Lloris, for example, remains a keeper under all three sticks. In defense, Varane is the benchmark and new names accompany him: .

“Koundé does not go up as much as Pavard, Dembelé does a little more on that band. On the other hand, it seems to me that Hernandez goes up more, but he is still a relief for Mbappé ”mentions Ienzo Duarte, an analyst at Alter Football.

In the midfield, although this time Kanté and Pogba could not be there due to injury, .

In addition, Griezmann also gives an invaluable hand in this sector. Now: he attacks, organizes, defends and much more. He is, without a doubt, the engine of the team.

“What I think has changed is the execution. We have a Griezmann who fulfills mixed functions and who runs the entire pitch”highlights Duarte.

In attack, Ousmane Dembélé has earned a much more prominent place than in Russia 2018, complementing himself perfectly with the other winger: Kylian Mbappé, who continues to shine like he did when he was 19 years old. Yes indeed, .

“In general, France maintained defensive solidity and managed to successfully substitute with Tchouaméni and Rabiot or Fofana a pairing that seemed insurmountable (Kante and Pogba) and added a very important winger in Dembélé instead of midfielder Matuidí. With Dembélé, France has had more attack variety than in Russia”says journalist Eddie Fleischman.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud continues to lead everyone. He is fulfilling the role that should have belonged to Benzema -the Ballon d’Or- if he had not been injured. And he’s doing pretty well. In fact, the current version of the Milan forward is much more goalscoring than four years ago: . huge change.

“Giroud has been better now than 4 years ago and Griezmann maintained his role as driver but now looser for not having Matuidi. France has worked better with 2 skilful and fast wingers”says Fleischman.

In terms of functions and tactics, clearly, there are quite specific changes in the French team. Deschamps has remained firm in his idea and the 4-2-3-1 as a tactical system is giving him more than positive results. The coach continues to earn deserved praise.

“France changed especially in some names, but the game scheme is similar. With two brand midfielders, two wingers, a midfielder and a center forward. In general terms, it seems like a team that doses its energies better and that can take a goal out of context at any time. The same is still explosive, basically because of Mbappé’s level and how Griezmann is playing”points out Ienzo Duarte.

Obviously, France has not had to move its scheme much. If the formula worked for him in Russia 2018, logically repeat it in Qatar 2022 it was not going to mean any adverse effects. Thus, with Varane more of a leader, with Mbappé more mature and consolidated, with an intractable Griezmann and with a Giroud more scorer, France dreams of two-time championships.