A successful baptism of fire, or rather of embers, for Thierry Henry’s first as coach. Facing the modest Danish team, the France Espoirs team easily won 4-1 in Nancy.
For his first match, the new boss of the Bleuets had already made strong choices. A three-way midfielder, with Warren Zaire-Emery captain at only 17 years old. Rayan Cherki in support of Bradley Barcola and Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Choices that will pay off since the France team will hold the ball at the start of the match and master the field thanks to its midfielder. Some scares at the start of the match for the Bleuets (7th, 8th) since the Danes find the bar. Guillaume Restes must warm up his gloves from the start. The French will respond immediately and create danger via Arnaud Kalimuendo (14th). It was Lyonnais Johann Lepenant, called up at the last minute to make up for Jenuael Belocian’s package, who opened the scoring and made the big blue highlight come true. A perfect shot from the right which lands in the top corner (23rd).
In the heart of the game as he likes, the Lyon leader was to his advantage during this first period. The French n°10 scored the break goal before the break, after a one-two with Arnaud Kalimuendo (39th). Rayan Cherki very close to scoring a double next (45th), a few seconds after Malo Gusto’s big miss (44th).
The second period was more sluggish for the French. The staff changed the three offensive players and the absence of Rayan Cherki was felt up front. In particular in rapid attack, the Bleuets continued to push and it was Elye Wahi, who entered after the break, who scored the third French goal (75th) to relieve the entire team.
With nine changes in total, the France team stammered its football more in the second half and conceded a few chances at the end of the match. Denmark saved the honor at the end of the match (84th), before the neo-Lensois scored twice during the seven minutes of added time (90 2).
4-1 victory for the France Espoirs team against Denmark. Successful first. See you this Monday in Slovenia for the start of qualifying for Euro 2025.
