Didier Deschamps Faces Tough Decisions Ahead of Euro 2024 Semi-Final
As the French national team prepares for their Euro 2024 semi-final clash against Spain, head coach Didier Deschamps has kept fans and analysts guessing about his starting lineup. During the final training session at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Deschamps opted not to reveal his hand, mixing teams and leaving the starting eleven a mystery.
One of the biggest questions revolves around Antoine Griezmann. The Atlético Madrid star has struggled throughout the tournament, leading to speculation about whether he will retain his place in the lineup. Griezmann was benched during the third group match against Poland and substituted early in the quarter-final against Portugal. His form has been a topic of concern among teammates, including Adrien Rabiot, who openly discussed Griezmann's struggles during a press conference. 'Surprised, yes, obviously. I don't know how to explain it, perhaps he is much less well physically. But we expect, as teammates, a lot more from Antoine, because he is capable of it,' said Rabiot.
Rabiot himself will be returning from suspension and is expected to start in midfield alongside N'Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Eduardo Camavinga, despite a strong performance in the previous match, is likely to be relegated to the bench. The defense is expected to remain unchanged, featuring Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Théo Hernandez, with Mike Maignan in goal.
Offensive Lineup and Tactical Adjustments
Deschamps faces a tactical dilemma: keep Griezmann for his experience or replace him with a fresher player. The coach's decision to switch to a 4-3-3 formation after introducing Ousmane Dembélé in the quarter-final against Portugal proved effective, revitalizing the French attack. Dembélé's performance earned him the man of the match title, making a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.
Against a technically proficient Spanish team, Deschamps might favor a front three of Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, and Kylian Mbappé. Despite not being in top form, Mbappé is expected to start, while Kolo Muani competes with Marcus Thuram for the central forward position. The French coach highlighted the importance of forcing Spain's wingers to defend, thereby limiting their offensive contributions. 'If they have the ball, it is better to know how to defend well like we have done so far. But forcing them to be in an area they don't like and forcing them to make efforts can limit their offensive contribution,' Deschamps noted.
The probable lineup for the semi-final is as follows: Maignan - Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez - Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot - Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Mbappé (cap.).
- With the semi-final match against Spain looming, the French national team is under significant pressure to perform. The tactical decisions made by Didier Deschamps will be scrutinized, especially given the mixed performances of key players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé.
- The French coach's ability to adapt his strategy mid-game, as seen in the switch to a 4-3-3 formation against Portugal, could be a decisive factor in the upcoming match. The inclusion of players like Ousmane Dembélé, who have shown they can make an impact, will be crucial.
- As the team prepares for this high-stakes encounter, the focus will be on maintaining a solid defense while exploiting Spain's weaknesses. The return of Adrien Rabiot from suspension adds strength to the midfield, providing a balanced approach that could tip the scales in France's favor.
