France – Canada: Final adjustments for the Blues

Four days after an easy victory against Luxembourg, the French team is moving up the ranks and will be entitled to a second chance. a more solid opposition against Canada.

It's the last rehearsal, time for the last adjustments, the last tests too. After a disrupted start to preparation, by the absences of part of the group, retained in clubs, the French team is finally complete and Didier Deschamps has benefited from this. of the last few days to take stock of everyone's fitness levels. less than a week before the start of Euro 2024.

Stronger opposition

Even more than individual cases, it is the collective project which mobilizes the coach and he will use this second friendly match against Canada to prove his certainties and refine the automation. A much more interesting test than ever before. his eyes because the North American selection offers another adversity. than Luxembourg. And if he liked it? the enthusiasm of his men & Metz, he expects the same attitude and perhaps other responses of an even more technical and physical nature. "He's an opponent who has more physical response. There may be a management part. It's a collective that held up well against the Netherlands, some players are in France", now' the French coach.

Distrustful as usual, he knows that this opposition will be an opportunity to adjust but also to give playing time to his teammates. some who missed Wednesday's meeting, à the image of Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni remaining in care to recover from his foot injury. "The most important thing is to feel good physically. Tactically, we have to see if we are on point. This is the last time we will be we have everything à put in place (…) It will be a good test, at the right time", judge Antoine Griezmann whose role as facilitator of the tricolor game does not ceases to be refined over the course of releases.

A good test, especially since Canada is also looking for certainty ahead of time. 11 days of the Copa America, which he will start against Madrid. Argentina, world champion and American title holder. A more than tough start for Jonathan David and his teammates who will have to face the challenge heart à Bordeaux to show a better face than Thursday. In the Netherlands, they lasted 50 minutes before conceding 4 goals in half an hour. Not really great for confidence. He is therefore a vengeful and affected opponent. in his pride that the Blues will face. Ideal for adding a touch of intensity.

Last time in France for Giroud

The fact remains that this Sunday's match will not only have sporting value. It will indeed be very special for Olivier Giroud. At 37 years old, the top scorer in the history of the Blues will set foot on a French pitch for the last time with the jersey worn by the French team. of the haloed cock of its two stars. A moment that risks being very emotional, in any case, that's what Antoine Griezmann hopes for. "This will be his last match in France with the France jersey, it's his last dance, I hope' ;#39;he will have a nice tribute. He deserves it. He is the ideal player for a coach. Much respect for him and everything he did", he confidedé at a press conference.

Replacing against Luxembourg because they arrived late to the rally due to a promotional tour of his club AC Milan in Australia, the future teammate of Hugo Lloris at Los Angeles FC could ' ;be tenured in point &agrav; Marcus Thuram's place. A symbolic choice as much as a tactical one, Giroud serving as a pivot and fulcrum for the team. his teammates. Aware of the circumstances, and not insensitive, the coach refuses to be sentimental and remains focused on the situation. on the match and the performance of his men. He will, however, not be against seeing his center forward shine. against the North Americans because it will mean that he is ready for his last big meeting with the Blues. Make no mistake, the objective is not to be Bordeaux this Sunday but in Germany in a week. It's up to the Tricolores to continue à ramp up.