As France prepares for its crucial Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, manager Didier Deschamps finds himself at a significant crossroads, contemplating multiple changes in an attempt to reverse a two-goal deficit from their previous encounter in Split. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the French team seeks to qualify for the Final Four, scheduled for June 2025, with the match set to take place at the Stade de France on March 23, 2025, at 20:45.
After the disappointing performance that saw them lose 2-0 in Croatia, the mood is somber. France, once renowned for its footballing prowess, is grappling with questions of creativity in the midfield. It’s a serious problem that has persisted especially since the retirement of 2018 World Cup champion N'Golo Kanté, leaving a void in terms of creativity and spark.
On the road to recovery, Deschamps is expected to overhaul his starting eleven. Key to this strategy is the defense, where Ibrahima Konaté’s shaky performance — notably his role in conceding a penalty that was saved by the goalkeeper Mike Maignan — has put his place at risk. Instead, Dayot Upamecano is poised to partner with William Saliba in the central defense.
Deschamps might make changes to other positions as well. Jules Koundé, who showcased vulnerabilities in the recent match, faces potential bench time with Benjamin Pavard expected to return to the right side of defense. Pavard previously excelled in this position, yet it proved to be less comfortable for him in recent outings.
In midfield, the situation is equally critical. Mattéo Guendouzi, one of the players under scrutiny, could make way for Manu Koné, who may provide a different dynamic to the team. With Adrien Rabiot's recent struggles, fueled by external criticisms following hostile receptions in other matches, his position remains uncertain. Eduardo Camavinga is seen as a viable substitute who could bring a fresh approach to the midfield.
The French attack is also set for revision, likely with Kolo Muani being replaced by Michael Olise, who, despite a modest debut, is considered more dynamic to boost France's forward play. This decision aims to better support star players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Compounding these selection dilemmas is the question that has lingered since the Euro: Who will take the keys to the game? Historically, Deschamps chose to field a trio that included N'Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot. However, after Kanté's departure from international football, the coach has struggled to find a creative midfielder with adequate flair for orchestrating plays.
Prior attempts to fill this gap had Deschamps deploying Warren Zaïre-Emery and Guendouzi in a playmaker role, but with results falling short of expectations, the search continues. Young talents are emerging, and one particularly noted prospect is Désiré Doué, despite Deschamps viewing him primarily as a winger. Doué’s ability to play swiftly and effectively, coupled with what many see as a carefree attitude on the pitch, positions him as a promising alternative. "He plays the same way at five-a-side as he does at Anfield. He treats every match the same," remarked Mathieu Le Scornet, Doué’s former coach.
This creative spark is needed now more than ever, especially since the midfield trio in the last match—Tchouaméni, Rabiot, and Guendouzi—failed to provide necessary offensive support. Their inability to push forward meant that Dembélé had to drop deeper, reducing his involvement where it mattered most and isolating him from goal-scoring opportunities.
In the face of mounting pressure and a challenging matchup ahead, Deschamps' tactical decisions could dictate the future of French football at this international level. The former champion team's reputation is being tested as they aim to remedy the fatigue evident in their play, ultimately seeking to revitalize their gameplay with the right mix of youth and experience come match day.
With just hours until kickoff, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Deschamps will approach this critical match. The ghosts of past failures remain in the air, but the hope is that the blend of new vigor in the team will translate onto the pitch. The fate of the French national team lies in his hands, as they look to overcome not just a deficit in goals, but a deficit in confidence too.
In summary, the upcoming match poses a moment of reckoning for both the players and Deschamps. With strategic adjustments and fresh faces, the French team hopes to reclaim its standing on the international stage and deliver an inspiring performance at home. The road to redemption is daunting but not unfeasible, as the footballing world watches closely.
