Online Reporter
NEW YORK) – France’s route to World Cup glory may once again depend less on keeping goals out than scoring more than everyone else, with Kylian Mbappe’s double in a 3-1 win over Senegal highlighting the attacking depth that could compensate for lingering defensive frailties.
Much of the spotlight before kick-off had fallen on Mbappe after a difficult club season and criticism following France’s unconvincing warm-up matches, but the captain responded in emphatic fashion with two goals to launch his World Cup campaign.
Bradley Barcola added a third from the bench, underlining the extraordinary attacking depth at coach Didier Deschamps’ disposal and reinforcing the idea that France’s greatest strength remains at the top end of the pitch.
That should surprise no one.
France shared the distinction of being highest scorers at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina on 16 goals and were second only to Belgium in Russia four years earlier with 14. Across the last two World Cups, they have consistently shown an ability to overwhelm opponents with pace, movement and individual brilliance.
Familiar formula
The cast may have evolved but the formula looks familiar.
Deschamps has increasingly embraced a four-man frontline, trusting his forwards to overwhelm opponents rather than seeking additional protection in midfield. Against Senegal, Mbappe was flanked by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, a quartet capable of torturing any defence in the tournament.
Mbappe remains the headline act, but France’s strength extends far beyond their captain. Barcola came off the bench to score, while Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram were also among the attacking options available to Deschamps. Hugo Ekitike, who enjoyed a breakthrough club season, is not even at the World Cup after suffering an injury before the tournament.
Few rivals can match that depth, but the concern is that France continue to look vulnerable without the ball.
Senegal created several dangerous situations and pulled a goal back after repeatedly finding space behind the French defence. It echoed concerns that surfaced during the warm-up matches, when Les Bleus struggled to deal with runners attacking the space in behind.
The issue is not necessarily personnel. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano remain among Europe’s most highly regarded centre backs. Rather, it is a consequence of France’s aggressive positioning, leaving room for quick transitions when possession is lost.
Whether that becomes a fatal flaw may determine how far they go.
Meanwhile, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy said his side had paid for taking their eye off the ball at critical moments in the 3-1 defeat by France in their opening World Cup match on Tuesday.
The Senegalese regretted not taking their chances in the first-half as France found their rhythm and a double by Kylian Mbappe and a goal by Bradley Barcola saw them comfortably home in the Group I clash in East Rutherford.
Ibrahim Mbaye was on the mark for Senegal.
Mendy said that even though they may have had the better of the first-half, the Lions of Teranga had failed to execute their game plan.
“We were a bit sluggish in the first-half,” the 34-year-old told beIn Sports.
“We knew that in the second we had to raise our level, be more cutting edge in attack.
“We were at times, although against teams like these, you have to be totally on your game defensively and offensively.
“You cannot take your eye off the ball because you are up against pure talent.”
Mendy, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, said he did not believe there was a gaping chasm between the two teams.
“We know what our qualities are and that we are capable of playing better,” he said.
“We were especially lax when it came to retaining possession, we should have been more consistent in keeping it.
“But then again we did have a very good team as the opposition today.”
Mendy, an Africa Cup of Nations winner in 2021, said there was still all to play for in terms of reaching the second round.
The 2002 quarterfinalists have Norway next Monday, followed by Iraq four days later.
“As I said even if we won this match, the group would still be open,” said Mendy, who plays his club football for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
“Today we lost but just as in 2022 (when they lost their opening group game but recovered to reach the knockout stages) we must rest and focus on Norway.”- Reuters
