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France World Cup Squad analysis

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France head coach Didier Deschamps has finalised his 25-man list for the World Cup.

Deschamps had the option to select 26 players for the final squad, but he settled with 25, implying a 26-man squad is too big. 

Deschamps’s distaste for 26-man squads might stem from France’s lackluster Euro 2020 campaign.

He felt 26 players were too hard to manage, and a 23-man squad was more manageable. But he settled for a 25-man squad in the end, considering players did not get much rest ahead of the World Cup, which could lead to injuries. 

The biggest talking point is Ferland Mendy’s omission from the Les Bleus contingent.

Deschamps chose to go heavy on centre-backs. Theo Hernández and Benjamin Pavard are the only two natural fullbacks on the team. 

Lucas Hernández, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Raphaël Varane are all primarily centre-backs.

Koundé and Lucas Hernández can deputise as left backs, but there is no legitimate cover on the right. 

In the midfield, Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Mattéo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Jordan Veretout are the options Deschamps will be able to draw from. The absence of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté will make Rabiot the most experienced midfielder in the pack.

Regardless of Rabiot’s off-the-pitch controversies, Deschamps kept his trust in him.

The Juventus midfielder will undoubtedly be one of the first names in the starting XI.  Tchouameni and Fofana might accompany him in the midfield three. 

Up front, France has the present Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and one of the likeliest future winners, Kylian Mbappé.

Antoine Griezmann did not have a great season with Atlético Madrid, but he had enough credit in the bank to earn a spot in the squad. 

Griezmann might even be a starter.

He is one of Deschamps’s most reliable players. With Benzema and Mbappé pretty much nailed on, Griezmann might drop deeper to play a free role behind the dynamic duo of Benzema and Mbappé. 

Christopher Nkunku reaped rewards for his prolific form for RB Leipzig.

Olivier Giroud was a regular starter in France’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2018. But the 36-year-old is expected to play a super-sub role this time around.

The AC Milan star has a great record in national team colours. So, he will be a great option to introduce from the bench. 

Kingsley Coman and Ousmane Dembélé are the only traditional wingers in the squad.

This makes us believe Deschamps will go for a 4-3-1-2 without textbook wide player roles. Coman and Dembélé will serve as contingencies. 

In goal, Mike Maignan could have replaced Hugo Lloris.

But the AC Milan shot-stopper’s injury restored Lloris as France’s number one goalkeeping option. The 36-year-old is putting in top level performances for Tottenham Hotspur, so France fans will expect him to deliver once again.

Alphonse Areola and Steve Mandanda will be the backup options. 

France World Cup Squad 2022 

Goalkeepers 

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Alphonse Areola (Westham United), Steve Mandanda (Rennes) 

Defenders 

Lucas Hernández (Bayern Munich), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernández (AC Milan), Benjamin Pavard(Bayern Munich), Raphaël Varane (Manchester United). 

Midfielders 

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Mattéo Guendouzi (Olympique Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Olympique Marseille).

Forwards 

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona).

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand

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Rio Ferdinand recalls Alex Ferguson’s tough criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting his resilience and eventual rise to greatness.

Rio Ferdinand shared an emotional incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson during their Manchester United days. The story highlights Ferguson’s management style and Ronaldo’s journey to becoming a football legend.

According to Ferdinand, the incident occurred early in Cristiano Ronaldo career. Ferguson criticized Ronaldo in front of the team after a subpar performance. The harsh words left Ronaldo in tears, but they also sparked a determination to improve.

Ferdinand explained that Ferguson used such moments to build mental toughness in young players. The criticism wasn’t meant to demean but to push Ronaldo toward greatness. This tough-love approach became a hallmark of Ferguson’s management.

Ronaldo responded by working harder on his game, focusing on areas Ferguson pointed out. Ferdinand recalled how Ronaldo’s commitment to improvement impressed both teammates and coaches. This incident marked a turning point in Ronaldo’s development.

The story also sheds light on Ferguson’s ability to read players and tailor his approach. While his methods were tough, they often brought out the best in players like Ronaldo.

Ferdinand emphasized that Ronaldo’s resilience and willingness to learn set him apart. He turned criticism into motivation, eventually becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.

This anecdote offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a legendary player-coach relationship. It also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.

Ronaldo’s ability to handle challenges and grow from them remains a key lesson for aspiring athletes. The story serves as a reminder of how tough moments can lead to extraordinary success with the right mindset.

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Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks

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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka faces weeks of recovery due to a hamstring injury. Manager Arteta confirms plans for his return.

Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.

Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.

Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.

Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.

Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.

Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.

This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.

Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

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FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

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FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

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