Les Bleus end the season with a solid 1-0 victory over the Zlatanless Swedes.

France close out 2014 on a positive note with a 1-0 defeat of Sweden in Marseilles. Overall a much better game than a few days ago against Albania. Let's dive into the game:

The Good:

• Ending the year on a victory - that is always a positive.  Les Bleus end the 2014 season on an overall positive record. They scored in every game but two - against Ecuador in the last group game of the World Cup and against Germany in the 1/4 finals. Without needing to qualify, they have still faced off against some larger footballing sides, notably Portugal and Spain, but victories. 2015 will be a big year for Les Bleus as they build up to the Euros in 2016.
• The captain for the day - Varane - demonstrated why many peg him as the likely candidate to becoming the permanent national side captain in the near future. It was his goal that liberated Les Bleus, but it was his defensive play that is what continues to impressive. His pace is world class and his command of the back line shows signs of maturity beyond his youthful age. It is

  

  Not a bad night - captain and first goal for Les Bleus

  at times amazing to think he doesn't have a fill time starting role at Real Madrid. France are in good hands with him at center back. The question becomes - who will become his center back partner? There are lots of options, but none have distinguished themselves as the clear cut partner for Varane. 
• Les Bleus overall game. Unlike the match against Albania, France came out with a greater determination and carried the game to the Swedes. They dominated the first half possession, having the ball for over 60% of the time. The second half was a little more balanced but France continued to carry the game. Granted Sweden's side was depleted of many of their starters. But it was positive to see France impose their will on the game.
• It was a good showing from France's left back - Kurzawa.  The AS Monaco left back showed well for himself. After dealing with a minor storm of controversy surrounding him from his poor showing at the U20 qualifier versus Sweden, it was good to see him show well for his first start with the senior squad. His pace was on full display, really giving the Swedes problems. He also provided a number of sumptuous crosses. He clearly will have something to say when it comes to who becomes Frances' #1 left back.

The Bad:

•  The French right side....okay okay okay...I know that I have been writing this for about 4 years now. But it remains an issue. Valbuena was lined up on the right side and about 5 minutes into the game guess where he was? Yup. On the left. Yes Payet and Griezmann tried to slot back out to the right but really they were all stuck left of center. The one option on the right were the runs from the French right back - Sagna. He did a decent job keeping some balance but whether it is Sagna or Debuchy there has to be more than just the full backs as offensive options. Not sure whether it is Valbuena, Payet, Sissoko, Remy, Menez, Benzema etc etc, but this has to be solved in 2015. 
• Please please please find me another regular penalty kick taker. Benzema did his best job of trying to give a fan a souvenir when he took the penalty kick - blasting his shot into row Z.

  

  Row Z...LOOK OUT!!!

  Remember the weak kick he took against Switzerland during the World Cup? Since Ribery has taken his international retirement, France have not had a penalty taker that I am 100% confident in. Yes we have been spoiled in the past with the likes of Zidane, Henry and even Ribery. But Deschamps needs to figure out who can take these set pieces. I am not sure who on the roster can step up and take these on a regular basis. Reality is Benzema might be the default option...but if he is, then he better practice them on a regular basis.

The Ugly:

• I realize that Digne plays for the hated PSG, but the whistling and booing rained down on the French left back was ugly. Yes maybe my PSG bias might be showing, but seriously.  Digne is representing the national side, fans need to focus on that rather than which club he plays for. I would hate to think that if France were playing a European Cup game in Marseille that the PSG players would be subjected to the same treatment. 

Overall a good way to end the international season. France should have come out with a more comfortable victory - especially if Benzema could take a PK - but a win is a win.  Heading into 2015 Deschamps will have to think about his left back, who will partner with Varane and which formation to lean on? Of course he has time and how his players evolve with their clubs will dictate some of his choices. Good end of 2014, on to 2015...

Allez les Bleus.