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France Face Uphill Battle After Defeat to Croatia
France’s hopes of reaching the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League semi-finals suffered a major blow after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday evening. Les Bleus now have a two-goal deficit to overcome in the second leg, which takes place in Paris on Sunday. Facing a resilient and experienced Croatian side, the task ahead is far from easy.
Head coach Didier Deschamps is expected to make significant changes to the lineup following the lackluster performance in Split. With a squad brimming with talent and depth, Deschamps has plenty of options to call upon.
Here’s how France could line up for the crucial second leg:
GK: Mike Maignan
Maignan was one of the few bright spots in the first leg, making a crucial penalty save to keep France’s hopes alive.
RB: Jules Kounde
The Barcelona defender struggled to replicate his club form during the first leg and will need to step up his game in Paris.
CB: Dayot Upamecano
After Ibrahima Konate’s nightmare performance in Split, Bayern Munich’s Upamecano is likely to replace him in the starting lineup.
CB: William Saliba
The Arsenal center-back was uncharacteristically error-prone in the first leg, particularly for Croatia’s opening goal. He’ll need to regain his composure for Sunday’s match.
LB: Theo Hernandez
Despite being benched for the first leg, the dynamic Milan left-back could return to provide attacking width and creativity.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni
The Real Madrid star, who played in a midfield trio last time out, is expected to form part of a double pivot in the second leg.
DM: Eduardo Camavinga
After coming off the bench in Split, the energetic Camavinga is likely to start alongside his clubmate Tchouameni in central midfield.
RW: Ousmane Dembele
The Paris Saint-Germain winger was one of France’s most threatening players in the first leg and will be key to unlocking Croatia’s defense.
AM: Michael Olise
Following France’s lack of creativity in the first leg, Olise could be given a chance to shine in the attacking midfield role.
LW: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe struggled in a central role during the first leg but could return to his preferred left-wing position, where he has excelled for Les Bleus.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani
After rediscovering his form at Juventus, Kolo Muani will be tasked with providing the attacking spark France desperately need.
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