The luxury of 6 points heading to last group game - Deschamps with more changes?

Now it appears that a starting central defender might be out for the Ecuador game for France...but it isn't Sakho. Instead it appears that the young Real Madrid central defender Varane might be out. From what appears to be a bad stomach bug, maybe drank some of the local water,Varane appears to be out for the last group match. Add this to the yellow card accumulations for Cabaye and there are two starters from the first two games that will not be present against Ecuador. From the reports coming out of the French camp, the line up for Wednesday might be very different.

• Back to Griezmann over Giroud? Appears this might be the case. If so, not a big fan of this move. In a way we know that this formation works, with Griezmann a natural left winger. But there is something intriguing about having both Giroud and Benzema on the pitch together. In addition, this match I expect Ecuador will pack the in back and look to hit on the counter. A perfect type of match for a player like Giroud who offers a good target man in the box.
• The first start for Schneiderlin? This would be very interesting. A player that the English press was at times falling over itself to find a way to have play for England. Would DD want to put in the Southampton midfielder in over Mavuba who appeared to be the like for like replacement for Cabaye? I like it. Let us see how the midfielder

  

  Ready to start in World Cup for Engla...err France

  would function in the role usually held by Cabaye. He would also bring some height to the line up - something Mavuba doesn't have. Morgan might be needed later in this tournament, if France progress, so get him some run.
• The fullbacks - seems like DD will go with his secondary options for right and left back. With Sagna and Digne starting over Debuchy and Evra. This would protect Evra and his yellow card, as well as getting Digne some World Cup action. Important considering that Evra's yellow card would still be hanging over his head in the first know out game...I do not have any concerns with either starting.
• Going back to a 4-4-2? It appears that Valbuena will sit, hmmm. I am okay resting Le Petit Velo, but doing so to go a very defensive midfield? Not sure about that. I would accept sitting Valbuena and having Remy or Cabella given the start out on the right wing, sticking with a 4-3-3, this might be the case since in another formation DD inserted Giroud and Remy in place of Benzema and Matuidi - that would most likely see Giroud as the center forward, with Remy on the right, Griezmann on the left.

The potential line up -

L’équipe probable : Lloris - Sagna, Koscielny, Sakho, Digne - Pogba, Schneiderlin, Matuidi - Sissoko, Benzema, Griezmann

We have another day of training so all this might change. But it appears that Les Bleus will roll out a very different line up and potentially formation on Wednesday.

Allez les bleus.

Sakho out for France vs Ecuador...no surprise

Not a major surprise that the Liverpool central defender is out with a knock to his leg. This will most likely see the pairing of Koscielny and Varane in the center of the French defense. There are some who point out that France gave up two goals once this pairing was on the pitch Friday. I find this criticism a tad unfair to the Arsenal defender. The first goal given up on Friday was because a free kick taken from distance was allowed to easily pass through the three man wall...that was the wall's fault not Kos. And the second goal, while it came off Kos' back, was really more on Debuchy who did not hold the line with the defense, otherwise the play would have been off sides.

So we know of two players who started the first two games - Sakho and Cabaye - who will not play on Wednesday. Does this give Deschamps the opportunity to change some other personnel? As I wrote in my last post I think the situation with both Evra and Pogba remain something to watch.

Let us see how the week unfolds.

Les Bleus - pump the brakes a bit after great showing against Switzerland

Group E

#	Country	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
1	France	2	2	0	0	8	2	6	6
2	Ecuador	2	1	0	1	3	3	0	3
3	Switzerland	2	1	0	1	4	6	-2	3
4	Honduras	2	0	0	2	1	5	-4	0

These are the standings of Group E after day #2 of the group matches. The euphoria of the majestic 5-2 win for Les Bleus over Switzerland is still palpable. Some press are even putting France into the category of potential winners. I am not ready to go there.

France are not even qualified for the knock out round. Every team in Group E are mathematically still alive for the knock out rounds. However for France to make it would take a monumental collapse that not even the Red Sox of French football team could find a way of making happen. France would have to lose to Ecuador and the Swiss would have to make up the 8 goal differential. A monumental collapse no doubt.

So let us assume the France go through and most likely in first place. Meaning they will miss facing the Argentinians in the next round. But France and DD face some interesting questions with regards to how they should approach Ecuador. In the World Cup you need to keep an eye on the knock out stages at this point. Deschamps has two players on yellow cards - Pogba and Evra. Neither of which DD would want to lose for the knock out rounds. But there is a wrinkle to that, more on that later.

DD also has to deal with a Sakho that might not be 100% fit. As well as Cabaye that is not able to play in the game - that might not be a bad thing since he will start the knock outs yellow card free.

Deschamps should look at the Ecuador match as a half World Cup half friendly, I realize that might sound arrogant but France need to think about the next rounds. They need a win or draw against Ecuador to ensure they get through, but as I stated even a loss allows them through as long as the 8 goal differential isn't overturned. Here are some thoughts:

Ready to start in place of Cabaye?

• Keep the trio of Benzema, Giroud and Valbuena in the starting line up. It has been a pleasant surprise the two times it has been rolled out. An 8-0 and 5-2 wins against Jamaica and Switzerland. I certainly do not expect such a goal deluge each time this line up rolls out there, but it seems to have some real teeth to it. The question becomes will it have success if and when it faces the metal of international football? Now is the time to get it some time.
• Look for Mavuba in the place of Cabaye. That seems to be DD's choice of like for like substitution. The Lille captain will be a solid replacement for the PSG midfielder. I am not sure that Mavuba can replicate the passing accuracy of Cabaye. But he can certainly more than replicate the defensive efforts.
• Kos or Mangala to shoulder Varane? Based on the substitution patterns it would appear the Arsenal man will get the nod. Even if Sakho is healthy enough to play I might not want to risk further injury if it can be avoided. Some have pointed out that the second Swiss goal came off the back of Kos, but if Debuchy had done his job the play would have been off side and no harm would have been suffered. I think Kos is more than capable of playing along side Varane in the back.
• What to do with the yellow carded players? As I mentioned both Pogba and Evra are on a yellow. In a way, I bet deep down inside DD might have hoped that both had picked up yellows yesterday. Against Ecuador I am not sure Deschamps would have been too nervous having to start Digne at left back and not having Pogba available. I am not so sure he feels the same if he has to start Digne against say Bosnia or....Germany. How might that happen you ask? Let's say Evra plays against Ecuador and does not get a yellow, he will still be sitting on his yellow from the Honduras game in the first round of knock outs. Imagine France plays Bosnia, which is a physical team to play. A game where cards might be flying fast and furious. As a defender he has a strong likelihood of potentially getting another card...he would then miss, assuming France get through, the 1/4 finals. Which could very well be against...Germany. Who have Gotze and Ozil as wide players. You see the potential danger! I might be over thinking this, but DD needs to think and look ahead.
• With this in mind, even if Evra plays, I would expect Digne to get in a good 30

  

  Would be very different against the senior squad

  minutes of time on the field - as long as the game allows it. Get the PSG left back some game time at the World Cup, in case he is needed later due to the yellow cards. A player like Schneiderlin might also get some run to provide cover for a Pogba and the other midfielders.

France and Deschamps can go into the Ecuador match a little more at ease than might have been hoped 2 weeks ago. Of course they cannot take anything for granted, but even with a number of bench players in the starting line up France should be more than competitive against Ecuador. I certainly do not expect 5 goals, but a result is well within reach.

Keep an eye on the Sakho injury this week as well as how Deschamps manages his yellow card players.

Allez les Bleus.

Les Bleus! France play like it is the 1958 World Cup - lots of goals...for both sides

I will freely admit I was nervous even when France had a 5 goal lead...and I was sort of vindicated when Les Bleus decided to give back 2 goals. Okay okay that is the cynical side of me. What a game from France!

I told the Gooner that I would stay positive with this post...so here is the good...and only good.

The Good:

• Five goals from five different players...from that stand point it was nothing short of spectacular. France might have been able to add at least a couple more as well - Benzema missing the penalty and Cabaye some how hitting the cross bar on the follow up. As well as Benzema on a second half volley that the Benaglio made a strong save on. France was able to score from the run of play as well as from a set piece. They also were very dangerous on the break, Valbuena scoring from a fantastic break that started from a defended corner - Varane broke out and put a ball to space where Giroud was hustling back from defending the corner to pick out a clinical pass to Le Petit Velo. I think that is the most the big Arsenal striker has run ... ever. 
• Benzema - remember when Karim went dog years without scoring a goal? Thankfully that seems behind him. 3 goals in two games...and could have been more! He arguably had a hat trick against Honduras and if he had hit his PK oh and if the official had waited a few seconds to whistle the end of the game...okay okay...I realize I am

  

  Acrobatic volley bags Benzema his 3 goal of WC

  being greedy. But what is good is that he is clearly in form right now. His goal was a pure striker goal, a great diagonal run into the box, Pogba served him a sumptuous ball that as a good striker, he just put in the back of the net. Never looked at goal, just put it exactly where he wanted. Even though the last goal didn't count, do not underestimate what the strike does for his confidence. In his mind he knows he can score and take chances like all good strikers have to do. He also can add two assists to his tally. After his first two World Cup games, it appears that the Real Madrid striker is enjoying the biggest stage.
• Pogba's pass was a pure caviar of a through ball. A cheeky pass, with the outside of his foot from about 30 meters out, right into the path of Benzema was nothing short of splendid. One commentator said it was Zidane-esc, It might very well have been.
• A wonderful first goal from Giroud. The Arsenal man did not look thrilled to have been taken off by DD. I am sure he thought there were other goals for him out there. But a goal and an assist is not a bad day at the office for the striker. I will be interested to see if DD sticks with his formation of Giroud and Benzema on the pitch together. 
• France put themselves in a good position - getting 6 points from their first two games cannot be underestimated in terms of importance. They are virtually assured of going through, the only question is whether in first or second place. Their goal difference also doesn't hurt. All they need is a draw against Ecuador to assure they get through and probably in first place. The ability to head into the last game without major pressure to win is a huge plus. This will also allow Deschamps to protect his side, the players on yellow cards as well as turn over his roster and get some players on the pitch. This allows Deschamps to turn one eye to the knock out round. This might be even more apparent if the result tonight puts France through - a draw or a loss by Ecuador and France is through. 
• The French depth of roster - Les Bleus have a deep roster. This should not be a surprise for a nation like France, but it is encouraging to see when in action. Being able to bring in a Pogba or Griezmann is impressive. Being able to see Sakho have to come off and being replaced by Koscielny is also a great example of the depth. This depth might be on display again in the next match. We know that Cabaye will not play

  

  Not bad when you can bring him off the bench

  since he received a second yellow. It will be interesting to see if Sakho is healthy enough to go, or if Deschamps replaces him regardless to protect his central defender. Evra and Pogba are also on yellow cards from the Honduras game, maybe DD sits both of them to protect them from missing the first game of knock out. Although DD might have wanted to both to get a yellow in this game...to clear the slate...alas couldn't game the system.
• Deschamps needs to get credit, regardless of how this World Cup ends, on having done wonders to have changed the team attitude and make up. After two World Cup games it appears that DD has the team playing in harmony and as a team. Something that was not uttered 4 years ago, maybe even 2 years ago during the Euros. Watching the team celebrate after the goals there seems a real unity, I realize that is a small part but in the last few tournaments there was not much celebrating...and when there was it was often marred by histrionics. See Nasri's goal against England in the Euros. 
• France join Brazil, Germany, Italy and Argentina, as the only nations who have score a century of goals in the World Cup. Their total tally is 104. Not bad company to be in!

Like I said earlier, only good in this post. Even the late two Swiss goals will not be allowed to get me down - plus Benzema had the sixth...had the official allowed play to continue for a few more seconds. What a difference 4 years make, this time during the South African world cup France had score zero goals, lost to Mexico and drawn with Uruguay...and about to have their mutiny. Much more enjoyable this time around! I will be very interested to see what happens with regards to Sakho and his injury, as well as how Deschamps tackles the last group game. The result from Ecuador v Honduras will determine a lot of how DD can go into the last match. A draw would be nice. Guarantee France go through and most likely in the #1 spot.

More work ahead for Deschamps, but tonight he can have a glass of champagne.

Allez les Bleus!!

France v Switzerland: key match for Group E and DD with some surprises

France and Switzerland will face off later today in Arena Fonte Nova. This game will most likely determine who finish atop the group and who might be facing a nervy final day. There has been a lot said that both sides would fancy a draw since it would almost surely guarantee both go through to the knock out stage. I think that on the contrary both sides will be looking for a full three points. Neither team wants to assume anything about their last games and neither team wants to finish second. Why? Since the runner up of Group E faces the first place team of Group F...which should be Argentina. Want to avoid La Albiceleste in the first match of knock out!

Heading into the match, there is already some interesting news from the French camp. Deschamps has apparently decided to make some changes to his line up that dominated a weak Honduras side.

• Giroud in, Griezmann out. I am surprised by this move. Not that the Arsenal striker does not deserve a start based on how he was playing in the warm up matches. However I am surprised from a tactical stand point. Assuming that DD rolls out a 4-3-3 with Benzema - Giroud - Valbuena across the top. This could be a very powerful offensive formation - see my previous post about the flexibility in attack this formation gives. The issue is on defense. And this might be even more exposed against the Swiss. The Swiss right flank has some real threats. Shaqiri the right winger and

  

  You want to back track? Or should I?

  Lichsteiner the right back. The Bayern Munich winger is a real attacking threat, he does like to drift to the middle and cut inside. That will drag Evra into that space. Leaving the wide channel open for the marauding right back from Juventus, Lichsteiner. Neither Benzema nor Giroud is a true winger in the sense that they take the defensive responsibilities of that role to heart. I had more faith that Griezmann, a natural left winger, would ensure he assumed is responsibilities to track back and most importantly check any runs from the Swiss right back. With two natural center forwards on the pitch, DD will have to ensure one of his midfield trios cheats left to cover for his left wing not back tracking. This might fall to the likes of Cabaye, he will need to be aware of the space that gets greated when Shaqiri pulls Evra to the middle of the park and space opens up on that side.
• No Pogba? The other rumor is that DD will start Sissoko in place of the Juventus midfielder. That is a real surprise to me. I thought if anyone in the midfield that started against Honduras would sit it would be Cabaye due to the knock he picked up. One argument is that Pogba was targeted for some extra attention against Honduras, could have gotten red carded and did pick up a yellow card. If that is the reason I am a little disappointing. Pogba plays his club football at one of the world's largest clubs in a very physical league - Italy. He is targeted because he is so good and influential on play. I am not arguing that we should use the World Cup to prepare Pogba for such treatment, but come on...he is a professional. Trust him that he can contain his emotions. If we would sit players because of their temperament then how did the likes of Zidane, Keane, Cantona etc ever get to play? Hopefully this is simply a rumor. Pogba's talents are too good to leave on the bench for fear he gets a yellow card...

Clearly DD is looking to carry the game to the Swiss if he has both Giroud and Benzema on the pitch together. Deschamps is taking a chance. If the Swiss are getting numbers up and taking advantage of the French left it could be a very long day for Les Bleus. If having Benzema out on the left forces Lichsteiner to be more conservative in his runs then maybe DD has taken the initiative. This is something to watch early on.

Also look how the French midfield operates if they have Sissoko rather than Pogba. The Newcastle midfielder provides some different options for France but he isn't like Pogba - a box to box midfielder that can control the midfield.

This is a big match for Les Bleus. There is much euphoria over their 3-0 win over Honduras. Which might be fools' gold - Honduras were down a player all second half, something to keep in mind when looking at the final statistics for the game. France will be facing a nation that is ranked in the top ten, if you take any value in those rankings....I don't take too much value from them! But the Swiss have some real talent in their ranks - the aforementioned Shaqiri and Lichsteiner, as well as the likes of Xhaka, Drmic and Inler. They are also managed by a wily managing veteran - Hitzfeld.

I look for a cautious match by European neighbors. France go up 1-0 mid second half from a Giroud strike, but conceded late. France 1 -  Switzerland 1.

Allez les Bleus!

France get the necessary 3 points...what a change from 4 years ago

Ooof, Les Bleus secure the essential. Playing the weakest team in the group they did what they had to...get the win. And they did in a workman like fashion - they won by 3 goals but could have been a heavier victory.

The Good:

• Benzema - amazing that this is his first World Cup, granted he is probably happy to have been left off the squad from South Africa. Not only did the Real Madrid man score a brace (could have been a hat trick had the OG from Valladares been given to the French striker) but he was ever present on the offensive end. He was ever the threat, slipping behind the defense on numerous occasions and dangerous on the diagonal runs. His second goal was one from a striker in full confidence. From a wicked rebound he was able to pounce and strike from a ridiculous angle. If he can keep this form running...look out.
• For once, Les Bleus did not have a lot of drama surrounding the team and game. It feels as if the past few tournaments have had their fair share of drama. Much of this was a direct link to the idiot manager France insisted on keeping for 3 tournaments - Domenech. But even the last Euros with Blanc at the helm, there was drama in the first game and that was only magnified with Nasri's "shut up" gesture directed towards the press after scoring the equalizer against England. As I said in the opening, France were workman like. They did what they had to do to win the game.
• The 4-3-3 is chugging along...and keeping France's best players on the pitch. Not that I had any doubts but it was good to see it in full effect. And it really worked because of Benzema up front. He was able to hold up the ball well even when being double teamed. Griezmann and Valbuena did well in their channels, and while they were never really under tremendous pressure they back tracked as they were required. It will not be as easy moving forward, but the formation and line up seem to be working. The reality with Benzema on the pitch is that he is a tremendous offensive talent when things are right...but he does not track back. If he plays on the left with Giroud in the middle that creates a potential defensive hole...something to keep in mind.
• The new kids did not look out of place. The youngsters of the starting line up - Griezmann, Varane and Pogba did not look out of place at all. Remember that all three of these players could have been at the U20 World Cup last year. Pogba was there and captained France to a world title (Varane was injured and Griezmann was suspended). Pogba had a good game, not great, but good. More on him later. Griezmann was on the end of a cross early on that found its way to a cross bar. Varane was not really called upon, but I did like seeing him going into a hard 50/50 at the end of the game when the result was no longer in doubt. He also provided a glare directed at the Honduran striker that showed he was focused and certainly not intimidated.
• Goal line technology...the second goal was determined to be a goal based on the new technology. Watching the play in hi-def it was almost impossible to determine whether or not the entire ball had crossed the goal line. From the naked eye I would not call the shot a goal...but that is why the technology is in place. Oh what a difference it would have made 4 years ago during the England - Germany match!

The Bad:

• This might be knit-picking...but French finishing. Yes they scored 3 goals. But they hit two cross bars and I still do not know how Matuidi did not score in the second half where a slick cross from Evra fell right onto Matuidi's run. Only to see the PSG midfielder hit the wrong side of the side netting. Add to this a few cross bars and what was a 3-0 could easily have been 4 or 5. Not vital for this match, but France need to be more clinical with their chances since I doubt they will have an easier match than this one moving forward.
• Yellow cards. The game in the first half was vicious. Lots of hard tackles and some thuggish play from Honduras. France took the bait at times and some key players picked up yellows - Cabaye, Evra and Pogba. In these tournaments these card picked up early can come back to haunt a team hoping to get to the knock out stage with their full compliment of players. For a game so one sided you would not expect to have this many cards to go along with the victory. 

The Ugly:

• Pogba's tussle with Palacio was ugly. I was texting with the Gooner and I agree

  

  Pogba please meet the underside of my boot

  with what he stated that Pogba could have easily gotten a red card for his kicking out. Granted Palacio was playing like a goon. Clumsy in his tackles and reckless. But no excuse kicking out. Beckham received a red card for a much less violent kick out in 1998. Pogba needs to watch himself. He is young and plays in the middle of the park. So he is regularly around the ball. I also think he will be targeted by the opposing teams for "special attention." Trying to knock him off his game.  This will only intensify as France continues in this tournament. something the Juventus midfielder needs to be aware of.

So a good result for Les Bleus. They got the 3 points and even gave themselves a nice goal differential. The next match will most likely determine who finishes top of the group. Many have stated that both sides will be content with a draw. Not sure about that. More on that as we get closer to the match. 

Ding dong the king is dead - Spain get trounced at World Cup

Okay not so fast...Spain took a severe correction yesterday at the World Cup, losing the rematch, 5-1, from the finals 4 years ago to Holland. Too bad Robben wasn't able to finish 4 years ago. If he had maybe it would have been the Dutch with a star on their crest. So I guess we can start writing Spain's obituary...or maybe not.

Granted I have never seen Spain play so poorly since the Spanish Armada met Francis Drake. Spain looked completely out of sorts. Their back line was terrible at best. There was no pace, no positioning and frankly no fight. Ramos and Pique were constantly torched by Robben in the second half. Casillas looked like a back up keeper, one that hasn't played

Don't they know we are defending World Cup Champs??

much all season. And the usual Spanish possession didn't have the same effect it normally does. Oh and Costa looked like a donkey. The Brazilian striker, who plays for Spain, looked like a round peg in a hexagonal hole. It felt as if Del Bosque started the striker because he had to, not because it fit his system.

I am not ready to write off the Spanish just yet. They face Chile in the next game, and after watching the South Americans against Australia, I am not ready to crown them as others have. Spain can and should win that match. As long as Del Bosque makes some changes. Then Spain will play Australia in the last game. Assuming Spain get, at worst, a draw against Chile, they have every chance to go through in second place if they can defeat the Wallabies and pad their goal differential.

Some changes Del Bosque should make -

• Have one holding midfielder rather than the "double pivot" I would bench Busquets. He has not looked good lately, other than in his diving and complaining. Keep Alonso as cover in front of the back 4. 
• Speaking of the back 4...get a center back that knows how to defend. Or remind Ramos that he is not Beckenbauer and to hold his position. Also don't be afraid to knock down a striker when they are 40 yards from goal...you don't have the speed to shut them down if they get a step.
• Bring more speed to the wings. Get that gadfly Pedro more time out on the wings.  Put Silva on the other wing, and go back to your false 9. This ensures you get your best players, aka Cesc and Pedro, on the pitch.
• Oh and when chasing a goal or goals, not sure Torres should be your #1 choice. His time has past...about 3 years ago.
• Not sure he would but I might consider sitting Casillas as well...De Gea's time has come.

Spain can still do some damage. This might be the wake up call they needed for one last run. And before we crown Holland, let's not forget that in the 2008 Euro they steam rolled, including a similar thrashing of France, through the group stages...and then got dropped by Russia in the knock outs.

I will say a great start to the tournament regardless.

With Griezmann or Giroud? DD weighing his options

The latest out of the France should come with no surprise - DD is weighing his options with the left wing. Does he go back with the player that is a natural left winger - Griezmann? Or does he go back to having both Giroud and Benzema on the pitch?

We know that DD is going with a 4-3-3, if he goes with the safe play he inserts Griezmann on the left. The Real Sociedad winger fits the profile of a natural left winger. He would allow Benzema to slot back into the middle of the offensive formation. But that also means you are leaving one of your "in form" players - Giroud - on the bench. Is that wise? As I wrote about in a previous post. Having Giroud and Benzema on the pitch offers some interesting options with the offensive front three. They can easily drop into a 4-3-2-1 formation or a 4-3-1-2 depending on if they need to clog the midfield to keep possession, the former or chase a goal the latter.

Here is what it could look like with Giroud/Benzema:

How the 4-3-3 would start off with Benzema on the left

If France need to lay back and seek possession they can drop Benzema and Valbuena deeper on the pitch. It would resemble the Christmas Tree formation that the Italians sometimes lean on. Provides a very strong defensive foundation from which to counter. The key is Giroud up high, atop the offensive triangle. He will be called on to hold the ball to allow the other players to make diagonal runs into the box.

Giroud sits high with Benzema and Valbuena dropping deeper

If Les Bleus are looking to be more attacking then they can push Benzema higher on the pitch and allow Valbuena to roam behind the two strikers. Giving Le Petit Velo the freedom to carry the creative play for France.

Valbuena would be given the space to roam the midfield

Of course the one aspect that I am sure DD is contemplating is that if he plays Benzema on the left, he will be putting added pressure on his holding midfielders as well as Evra. Benzema, unlike Griezmann, does not know what playing defense means. He cannot be count on to back track and to stop the opposing teams right full back making deep runs. This is something that DD has to take into consideration, especially with the Swiss looming who has Lichtsteiner as their marauding right back. With a defensive liability already on the right - Debuchy - France might not be able to take on the challenge of having two such challenges to face.

It will be interesting to see what comes out of the tunnel on Sunday.

Allez les Bleus!