“France never convinced”, the favorite phrase of the little connoisseurs of this sport.
There is a big difference between playing nice and playing well. The selection of Deschamps is the perfect example of which is the most effective.
Or the one that works more nowadays.
Without showing a colorful game like Guardiola’s teams or explosives like Klopp’s schemes, ‘Les Bleus’ knew how to take advantage of each of their strengths to overcome their rivals on duty.
Sometimes with many goals, others with few and even starred in the only 0-0 in the Cup, for the simple fact that such a result served them.
Pragmatism? Maybe.
Intelligence? In excess!
France gave the impression of playing at 80% throughout the World Cup, which is admirable.
The team withdrew when it had to do it, felt in danger and saw opportunity in the spaces that could leave a rival launched to the attack. Or not, Belgium?
They house stars, yes. But also a lot of mentality and planning in the whole group.
The French have material to develop any existing game scheme but decided to go out and win. As simple as that.
At the end of the day, the goal is the same. The road does not matter.
What happened to the “easy way” of the World Cup? Silly stuff.
The maturity within the field is the one that makes the difference, the young teams showed in this World Cup and France showed it by raising the most precious cup in the world of football.
Let’s talk about a clear example, Paul Pogba …
Known for spectacular dribbling, characteristic dances and striking haircuts … that did not appear in Russia. Paul was dedicated to playing only and that’s it. He matured his soccer and raised the golden one.
Antoine Griezmann, another sample. But this with dancing included.
Fornite has caused a true revolution, but that’s another story.
Even the maturity of a 19-year-old boy like Kylian Mbappé made the difference when most young people his age are not sure they will study at the university.
Deschamps did not do magic, he did his job. He made it clear that the most important thing in football is playing … and winning.
Congratulations, France!