False start. The France team missed its start to the 2023 World Cup this Sunday against Jamaica (0-0). Largely favorites on paper, the Blues had the greatest difficulty in imposing their game in the rain of Sydney, Australia. It took 35 minutes for the first tricolor shot, signed Kadidiatou Diani. “In the first half, we did not get a single opportunity,” lamented Eugénie Le Sommer at the microphone of M6 after the meeting.

The top scorer in the history of Les Bleues (89 goals) therefore does not count Diani’s deflected shot, after a superb control, which grazed the post and almost deceived goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer (45th 5). Hervé Renard’s team concluded the first act in force, during which Jamaica displayed discipline and technical ease that does not suggest its 43rd place in the FIFA rankings. Real poison, striker and captain Khadija Shaw sent a shiver through the blue camp on a distant free kick (41st).

For the rest, Jamaica was satisfied with crumbs. France increased their dominance after the break (76% ball possession), although interspersed with good Jamaican outings to give themselves some air. Les Bleues were frustrated, in particular Diani, present but imprecise in the air (54th, 67th), including at the end of the match when the ball ricocheted off the bar then the post (90th). When it doesn’t want…

Before this final huge opportunity, Maëlle Lakrar also missed a corner (88th), and Sandie Toletti tore her shot from 16 meters after a good first dribble (58th). Hervé Renard, however, was right by bringing in Kenza Dali and especially Vicki Becho. Their offensive punch put the head under water of a Jamaican selection reduced to ten, in added time, after the second yellow card for its captain Shaw (90th 2).

However, it seems clear that these Blues are not broken in. Le Sommer, although technically comfortable, had the greatest difficulty finding his place in this unprecedented 4-4-2. There is already urgency, because the next meeting on Saturday (12:00 p.m.) will be against Brazil, one of if not the shock of the group stage of the World Cup. The third match, against Panama (52nd nation in the world), will in theory be more affordable. A theory twisted by Jamaica this Sunday. “You can count on us, don’t worry,” promised Hervé Renard, who could dream of a better start for his first tournament in blue.