Like snow in the sun. Despite a two-goal lead, the French under-23 team conceded a draw against the United States on Friday in Sochaux (2-1). A rather worrying result against an opponent that the Bleuets will find in their group this summer at the Olympic Games. The French goals came from Arnaud Kalimuendo (27th) and Andy Diouf (79th).
For their second match of this last gathering before the Games, Thierry Henry had made eight changes in his starting eleven, compared to the one who was aligned during the sluggish victory against Ivory Coast last Friday (3-2) .
After two scares at the start of the match including an opponent’s miss and a reflex save from Guillaume Restes, the Bleuets gradually settled into their game, and found their cruising speed. The domination began to be felt, a first attempt from Arnaud Kalimuendo and a post from Andy Diouf later, Rayan Cherki obtained a penalty on an opposing handball. Arnaud Kalimuendo took care of it and didn’t tremble, transforming his flat with his right foot without difficulty to launch his team (26th). Thanks to this advantage, Thierry Henry’s men controlled the rest of the half, and maintained their lead at the break.
The second act started in the same way as the first, the United States first showed up twice, with two failed attempts on crosses on the ground. Long minutes followed without any real intention of scoring the break goal, combined with a weak American revolt. The second French goal still came at the end of Andy Diouf’s foot (79th).
But with a reduced bench, the Bleuets ended up relaxing physically. The Americans, full of freshness, managed to spoil the party. Two consecutive goals (86th and 89th) from careless errors surprised the young Tricolores, forced to concede the draw 2-2.
Between establishing his final list for the Olympic tournament, not falling within the FIFA dates and for which clubs are not obliged to release their players, and finding stability in his team’s play, the work of Thierry Henry is considerable between now and July 24 and the Bleuets’ first match at the Olympics against the United States.
