Two-time European champions France are poised to tackle already-eliminated Poland at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion in Tuesday’s last group stage match of Euro 2024.
Didier Deschamps’ aspect at the moment sits second in Group D, trailing the Netherlands primarily based on targets scored.
Meanwhile, their Polish counterparts have already been knocked out of the competitors, ending final within the group and absolutely feeling disillusioned about their early exit.
France have but to showcase their prime type in Germany, with a slim 1-0 win in opposition to Austria and a goalless draw in opposition to the Netherlands final Friday elevating doubts about their potential to win Euro 2024.
Under Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus have managed 4 factors from two video games, however their efficiency has been underneath scrutiny.
The draw in opposition to the Netherlands marked France’s twelfth goalless attract Euros and World Cups since 1992, the very best amongst all nationwide groups throughout this era.
Criticism of Deschamps’ techniques has grown, particularly concerning his utilization of the crew’s considerable expertise.
Notably, captain and star ahead Kylian Mbappe missed the Netherlands sport resulting from a damaged nostril sustained in opposition to Austria.
Despite France not performing in addition to they might have hoped, there are nonetheless constructive points from its first two video games to construct on, particularly the promising performances of Theo Hernandez, Kylian Mbappe, and N’Golo Kante.
In phrases of their current type, France secured a 1-0 victory over Austria of their opening group-stage match and performed to a goalless draw in opposition to the Netherlands of their second sport.
They are additionally unbeaten of their final 5 matches and have received 14 of their final 20 fixtures.
If France keep away from defeat in opposition to Poland or if Austria fail to beat the Netherlands, they may safe a top-two end and advance to the spherical of 16.
A win in opposition to Poland would see France prime the group, but when each France and the Netherlands win or draw, their last group positions might be decided by purpose distinction, targets scored, disciplinary factors, and European Qualifier rankings, the place France maintain a better place.
On the opposite hand, Poland have completed fourth in Group D after shedding their first two video games in opposition to the Netherlands and Austria.
Despite the Eagles’ potential to complete degree on factors with Austria, they can not overtake them resulting from Austria’s superior head-to-head report, highlighted by their 3-1 victory on Friday, which takes priority over general purpose distinction.
Manager Michal Probierz, who took cost of the nationwide crew in September 2023, deserves some credit score.
Despite struggling his first defeat at Euro 2024, he has overseen a interval of largely constructive outcomes, profitable six out of his 10 video games.
However, the absence of report prime scorer and look holder Robert Lewandowski, who was an unused substitute in opposition to the Netherlands resulting from a thigh drawback, restricted Poland’s attacking prowess.
Poland’s early exit from the competitors is disappointing however follows a pattern of underwhelming performances at main tournaments.
Since 1986, they’ve solely reached the quarterfinals of the Euros or the World Cup as soon as, throughout the 2016 European Championship in France.
Additionally, of the final 5 Euros Poland has certified for, they’ve exited on the group stage 4 instances.
Despite their current setbacks, Probierz’s aspect had an eight-game unbeaten streak previous to their final two losses, with six wins throughout that interval.
Despite lacking the match in opposition to the Netherlands on Friday resulting from a damaged nostril sustained in opposition to Austria, Kylian Mbappe is predicted to return to the beginning XI.
The collision with Kevin Danso’s shoulder led to Mbappe’s damage, prompting supervisor Deschamps to take a cautious method to his restoration by benching him.
However, Mbappe did take part in a behind-closed-doors pleasant in opposition to Paderborn’s Under-21s, reportedly scoring twice and offering two assists.
His return might be a fine addition for the crew, however it poses a range dilemma for Deschamps, who could have to decide on between Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni to accommodate Mbappe within the lineup.
Rabiot has been a favourite in current tournaments and will begin in a deeper midfield function alongside Kante.
On the opposite hand, Poland is worried about center-back Bartosz Salamon’s ankle damage, which saved him out of the match in opposition to Austria. Robert Lewandowski is predicted to return to the beginning lineup for what may very well be his last sport at a serious worldwide event.
Source: www.dailysabah.com