Special envoy to Villeneuve d’Ascq
Mathematically, it sucks. In terms of dynamics, after having qualified for the Euro by defeating the Netherlands (1-2) on Friday in Amsterdam, the French team will want to continue against Scotland (9 p.m., TF1), 30th nation Fifa (between Austria and Tunisia) in an almost full Pierre Mauroy stadium (1000 of the 50,000 remained for sale on Monday). Beyond victory, which the Blues aim for in every match, it will be interesting to observe the attitude of certain elements in the balance for the Euro. Meetings like this ultimately only serve that purpose for internationals: to show off and score points for the next list of 23 next May for the big summer meeting. Les Clauss, Pavard (in the axis), Fofana and Thuram, whose place is not 100% assured in the France group, will be expected in Villeneuve d’Ascq. After this meeting, the French team will cut a month before finishing in 2023 against Gibraltar in Nice and Greece in Athens (November 18-21), at the end of the qualifications.
Unsurprisingly and because we need to involve as many players as possible, the Blues coach will carry out a new squad review on Tuesday evening in the North. In Dortmund last month, for the only defeat in 2023 for the selection, Deschamps made six changes for this meeting. What about Villeneuve d’Ascq? If Mike Maignan, Jonathan Clauss, Théo Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé are guaranteed to start, for various reasons, the rest of the starting lineup is turned upside down. Thus, we will have the opportunity to see a Pavard-Konaté hinge but also the presence of Eduardo Camavinga in the starting 11. In front, Didier Deschamps opts for a three-way attack with Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.
The Blues must be vigilant. Since Steve Clarke took the reins of the Scottish national team in May 2019, the “Tartan Army” has continued to progress. As proof, it officially qualified for Euro 2024 by achieving remarkable qualifiers, culminating in a success against Spain last March (2-0). Solid defensively with its three-axial system, it knows how to be dangerous, particularly in transitions, with Scott McTominay, one of its technical leaders. However, the Navy and Yellow are not on a positive dynamic. They just lost to La Roja last Thursday (2-0) and had already lost last September, against England (1-3). Furthermore, the loss of their captain Andrew Robertson, injured in the shoulder and returned to Liverpool, could cost them dearly against the France team.
Because the Stade de France is busy for the Rugby World Cup. Between the World Cup and the prospect of work in the Saint-Denis venue for the Paris Olympics (July 26-August 11), the world vice-champions are invited to find fallback solutions for their home matches, the last one in Seine-Saint Denis dates back to last June against Greece (1-0). In September, the Parc des Princes was chosen to face Ireland (2-0), while in November, Nice will host the selection against Gibraltar. Ditto in 2023 with meetings planned in Lyon and Marseille for friendly matches, while Bordeaux and Metz will also host in June before the start of the Euro. The French team will only return to the Stade de France in a little less than a year, in September 2024. It will already be time to prepare for qualifications for the 2026 World Cup.
As for the pitch, Didier Deschamps pouted at a press conference on this issue. He began his response, teasingly, “She’s beautiful, do you want me to give compliments? I confirm to you that she suffered. We can’t say that we have a very beautiful lawn. Here there have been 5 World Cup matches, the pitch may be solid, but at one point it suffers. »
The clock at the Pierre Mauroy stadium shows 4:40 p.m. this Monday. Time chosen for Jean-Clair Todibo, accompanied by the press chief of the Blues, to appear in front of the media. The reason ? Since his laugh during the minute of silence before Netherlands – France on Friday evening in Amsterdam, the French defender from Nice has been at the center of criticism. His attitude also earned him a summons before the FFF national ethics council. In a slow delivery, his voice low and very emotional, almost on the verge of tears, Todibo wanted to apologize. And to explain. “I had a nervous laugh during that minute of silence. In no way was I making fun of the current situation. The context was special, in the stands we were among opposing supporters who made jokes. That nervous laugh came out. I would like to apologize to anyone I may have offended.”
