It could have been worse. Much worse. Ask Spain, Croatia and Italy if they are happy to find themselves in the first round in Group B. Or remember Germany, Portugal and Hungary who had beaten the Blues during the first round in 2021 with ultimately a pitiful elimination in the round of 16 against Switzerland. A failure not yet digested by Deschamps and his troops. The presence of the Netherlands, 6th in the FIFA rankings, gives a different color to this adversity. If the Blues beat them twice in 2023 in the group stage (4-0 at the Stade de France, 1-2 in Amsterdam), the Dutch were diminished. What about Austria? The selection of Ralf Rangnick, 24th in the Fifa rankings, is playful and concluded its qualifying campaign behind Belgium, with a single point difference. For the barrage, we will have to see between Poland, Wales, Finland or Estonia.
Measured. No triumphalism among the Blues, never in such a situation, and the desire to send a respectful message towards future adversaries. The elements of language, between Didier Deschamps and Guy Stéphan, were brilliantly communicated on Saturday evening. “It’s a dense and difficult group,” says “DD”, absent in Germany due to back surgery. His deputy suggests that the “Austrians are underrated” as if to already warn of a possible relaxation from June 17 in Düsseldorf to begin the competition. From Milan, Olivier Giroud sees it as “not an easy draw but more affordable than that of the Euro”.
The staff of the French team, who should quickly communicate the location of their base camp, already know what awaits their troops. The start of hostilities is scheduled for Monday June 17 at 9 p.m. against Austria in Düsseldorf. Four days later, on June 21, we will have to do battle with the Netherlands in Leipzig at 9 p.m. Finally, the first round of world vice-champions will conclude on June 25 at 6 p.m. against the play-off player whose identity will be known at the end of March. This meeting will take place in Dortmund.
Very simple. And particularly advantageous. The first two in each group are qualified for the round of 16, as are the four best third-placed teams. Suffice it to say that if the Blues do not make it out of the first round, the fiasco would be total.
The next meeting of the selection is scheduled for March with a clash against Germany on the 23rd in Décines and another friendly match scheduled in Marseille on the 26th. In mid-May, Didier Deschamps will unveil the list of the 23 elected. Two friendly matches between the end of May and June 12 are expected in Bordeaux and Metz during the preparation, the names of the opponents of which have not yet filtered. Afterwards, it will be time to head to Germany for the first match against Austria on June 17 in Düsseldorf.
