France in Nations League: Defending Champions, France have been dumped out of the UEFA Nations League 4 games into the competition after loss to Croatia.
It has been nothing short of abject for the French national side as they are bottom of their group in the Nations League and out of contention for progress.
France’s Nations League campaign has been nothing less than a disaster as they are yet to win a single game in this season.
Didier Deschamps’ side has managed to pick up just 2 points from 4 matches with his side out of contention without having won a single match.
We decode the reasons for this poor run of form from France given the World Cup is round the corner and France are the holders of the ultimate prize.
Lack of rest
Post completion of the 2022-23 football season, there has been literally no rest for not only France but many sides across Europe.
The consistency is difficult to maintain and without lack of adequate rest and recover, this is a factor bound to affect teams.
◎ 10th October 2021: France win the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League
◉ 13th June 2022: France fail to win any of their opening four 2021/22 UEFA Nations League games
Their reign lasted 246 days. pic.twitter.com/oahbl4fLb7
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 13, 2022
From the beginning, France have not played their best line-ups in any of the 4 matches played as the coach wanted to give certain players the freedom and room for rest.
Attacking threat
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France have managed to find the net on just 3 occasions in their 4 matches played. Mbappé, Benzema and Rabiot were the scorers.
Despite having a wealth of talent in their ranks, France has just a minimal number of goals coupled with missed opportunities.
With the Nations League matches having a quick turnaround, consistent is key and France did not live up to potential in this category.
They looked jaded, lacklustre and in-disciplined right from the off and have rightly suffered the fate of being placed last in the group.
Inconsequential factor
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Just like Modric, De Bruyne and others; France has also complained of the scheduling of the Nations League. Hence, the morale, passion and desire to play is not at its zenith for any team.
Some teams are using this tournament as a preparation for the World Cup while the others aren’t because of the lack of consequentialness of the tournament.
If a tournament lacks reason or the need to play it, teams will not have the fire, ambition to make a difference.
France have failed to win any of their Nations League games so far 😳 pic.twitter.com/RFO9WrAyA8
— GOAL (@goal) June 13, 2022
France have not used this tournament properly but to a certain extent it can be understandable due to the scheduling.
