Sixteen years ago in Germany, an ageing French side had surprised quite a few on their way to a World Cup runners-up finish. Raymond Domenech, at the helm of the team then, had plotted France’s victories over Spain, Brazil and Portugal before they lost to Italy in the final via penalty shootout.
At present in Qatar, France look strong enough to defend their crown. But they first need to clear the quarter-final hurdle against a confident England.
With both teams having a few things in common, there will be no clear favourites when they lock horns at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, feels Domenech. “I think it’s going to be 50-50,” Domenech, who had also coached France in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, told The Telegraph from Paris.
“Both France and England have similar strengths and problems. The two teams have a strong midfield and forward line, but their defences don’t seem to be too strong.
“We saw France struggling a bit in the first half against Poland (in the Round of 16 clash), while England also didn’t find the going to be too easy for a good part of the first half against Senegal. England’s defenders don’t look to be speedy enough,” the 70-year-old pointed out.
Kylian Mbappe, however, could be the “difference-maker”. “Along with his speed, Mbappe can score with both the right and left foot. He has improved on his headers as well, and I feel he has some similarities with the Ronaldo of Brazil.
“Even when he’s charging in, he can shoot on target. Besides, he’s a lot more patient now unlike in the past when he used to put in too much effort. With his ability to dribble, he can now create a situation to score.
“So yes, Mbappe’s individual brilliance could make a difference, though England also have Harry Kane in their ranks and an impressive centre-forward like Bukayo Saka,” Domenech explained.
‘Like Zidane of ’06’
The Mbappe factor aside, what also bodes well for Les Bleus is the presence of Antoine Griezmann who, according to Domenech, is as important to the side as Zinedine Zidane was to the 2006 unit.
“I think Griezmann is doing more than Zidane,” Domenech said.
“Griezmann operates from the middle but is also going forward as well as moving back almost near the goalie. Zidane would create extraordinary moves, but for Griezmann, his job isn’t over after one or two touches. He looks to give more passes, he keeps running... Does everything...
“I would say he’s the playmaker and constructs the moves. He’s our leader in technical play. His presence in the midfield obviously carries massive significance.”
Diligent Giroud
Domenech believes Olivier Giroud’s record 52 goals for France, a feat he achieved in the pre-quarters game against Poland last Sunday, won’t last too long as Mbappe has every chance of breaking it quickly. Having said that, the former coach was effusive in his praise for Giroud’s diligence and cashing in on the absence of ace striker Karim Benzema.
“Well, Giroud is extraordinary as he too can change positions when required. Yes, Benzema would surely have been the first choice if he was available, but mind you, Giroud is a hard worker,” Domenech said.
“He wasn’t getting enough chances in the starting XI in the Premier League, but then he went to AC Milan (in July last year) and won the league(2021-22 Serie A). One has to accept that mentally, Giroud is very strong.”
So far in his 57 appearances for Milan, Giroud has 23 goals.
