France take on Peru in their second game of the World Cup on Thursday
Didier Deschamps’ side were backed by many as being one of the pre-tournament favourites, but failed to impress during their opening game against Australia. Les Bleus eventually won 2-1 thanks to a late (and somewhat fortuitous) Paul Pogba goal, but their performance was hardly convincing.
Perhaps due to their uninspiring showing against the Socceroos, Deschamp has made changes for the Peru game.
Instead of the 4-3-3 formation he went with in the opener, he’s switched to a 4-2-3-1. While he’s kept the same back four, he’s deployed Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante as deep-lying midfielders. Corentin Tolisso has dropped out of the starting line-up, as had Ousmane Dembele. In their place comes Olivier Giroud, who will spearhead the attack, and Blaise Matuidi, who appears to be playing on the left.
La composition de l'Equipe de France ! #FRAPER pic.twitter.com/czfTXXnnpI
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 21, 2018
Although many might have expected Deschamp to make alterations to his starting line-up for the game, his decision to field Matuidi instead of some of the more attacking players available to him has come as a surprise, with many questioning his thinking on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/iamsircolin/status/1009798245017518080
Matuidi playing left wing in a world cup match for a country that boasts of argubely the most exciting wingers in Mbappe, Thauvin, Martial, Dembele, Coman, Fekir and a snail slow Giroud as striker.
Deschamps should be castrated if they lose this match
— Ola (@OlaDway_) June 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/NxthanielA1/status/1009805889497333761
https://twitter.com/ClinicalLacaz/status/1009805316664582145
https://twitter.com/TaylorJAmey96/status/1009804491124871168
Matuidi on the left side? Wyd, Deschamps? https://t.co/A1Ju7J6git
— Johnny McGonigal (@jmcgonigal9) June 21, 2018
Australia’s draw with Denmark earlier in the day means that it’s still possible for all sides to qualify for the knock-out stages from Group C with three games played. However, defeat for Peru would however mean they would not make it to the last 16.
