French Team Triumphs Over Luxembourg in Euro 2024 Preparation Match
The French national football team commenced their preparation for Euro 2024 with an impressive 3-0 victory against Luxembourg at the Saint-Symphorien Stadium in Metz on Wednesday evening. The star of the night was Kylian Mbappé, who showcased his exceptional talent by contributing significantly to the win.
Mbappé, who recently announced his move to Real Madrid, was instrumental in the match. He was initially a constant threat to the Luxembourg defense, and later, he turned into a scorer with a remarkable goal served by his former teammate at PSG, Bradley Barcola, in the 85th minute. Before this, Randal Kolo Muani had opened the scoring with a header from a superb assist by Mbappé in the 43rd minute. The second goal came from Clauss, who replaced Hernandez, netting a gem of a goal from another Mbappé assist.
Deschamps' Squad Selection and Strategy
Didier Deschamps' squad selection for this match drew attention with the return of N'Golo Kanté, who made his first appearance for the national team after a two-year absence. The French coach also integrated young talents such as Bradley Barcola and Zaire-Emery. The starting lineup against Luxembourg featured Maignan, Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, T. Hernandez, Kanté, Fofana, Griezmann, Kolo Muani, Mbappé (c), and Thuram.
The match against Luxembourg was the first crossing point before the Euro, providing Deschamps an opportunity to evaluate and test his squad. This preparation period is crucial, especially with another friendly match scheduled against Canada this Sunday in Bordeaux. The newcomers and returning players got a chance to prove themselves and get accustomed to the team dynamics before the competition kicks off.
In related news, the French squad is gearing up for their first Euro 2024 match against Austria on June 17. Austria has shown strong performances recently, including a victory over Serbia. They will likely be a tough competitor for France. Additionally, Portugal, another contender in the Euro, displayed remarkable form by defeating Finland 4-2 in a preparation match, even without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Less than ten days remain before the commencement of Euro 2024, and the French team has left Clairefontaine for Lorraine to continue their preparation. Despite the absence of some key players like Olivier Giroud and Théo Hernandez, who returned late from their club obligations, the squad is gradually coming together.
- Coach Didier Deschamps' strategy includes giving time to newcomers and returning players to integrate into the team before the European Championship. He is also managing the late arrivals of Real Madrid internationals Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy, who joined the team just before the Luxembourg match but will be available for the competition.
- The Euro 2024 preparation involves not just physical readiness but also mental and tactical refinement. The match against Canada will be another opportunity for the team's final adjustments. Additionally, the varying performances of other teams, such as Austria and Portugal, highlight the competitive landscape that awaits in the tournament.
