After being eliminated from the World Cup in the quarter-finals, the Blues will resume their journey towards Paris 2024 on Friday, with the start of the European Nations League by facing Portugal in Valenciennes.
“Use the World Cup to move forward.” One month and ten days after being eliminated from the World Cup quarter-finals against Australia (0-0, table 6-7), the French national team returns to school, Friday, September 22, with its first match in the Nations League against Portugal, before traveling to Austria on the 26th. ““It’s better than playing friendly matches that are less interesting.”Hervé Renard asked on Thursday at a press conference.
If the goal is to perform well and reach the Final Four in February, and in order to secure the first title in their history, the Blues – favorites in a group that also includes Norway – must take advantage of this new competition moving forward. for the Olympic Games on home soil next summer. The biggest endeavor of the current coach’s tenure, given that his contract expires in August 2024. Until then, Hervé Renard has many projects waiting.
Integrate news while maintaining dynamism
His main achievement in the hastily prepared World Cup – set to take place four months ago – was to unite a group whose main feature under his predecessor Corinne Diacre was general malaise. “This World Cup has been a huge success in terms of what this group has achieved. We spent 52 days living together in a fun and wonderful atmosphere.” The Aix-les-Bains native confirmed last Friday. Therefore, incorporating multiple injured or recalled players into this dynamic is a challenge.
The reason behind defender Greg Mbok falling victim to A Dislocated right knee and cruciate ligament injury on 6 September 2022 during a match against Greece, he returned early to the lineup despite 45 minutes of official matches in the legs with Lyon. “She is not yet able to play a full match. We have to be careful but it is important that she is with us. She was a great player and it is good to have her back and to give yourself time to get back on the field.” Your best level.”Justify the technician. In addition to Amandine Henry and Oriani Jean-François, who impressed during preparations in June, strikers Julie Dufour and Sandy Baltimore are also back. “fermentation” required by employees to “Bring everyone back to their responsibilities.”
In defence, balance versatility with stature
In the nine games since arriving on the Blue bench, Hervé Renard has formed eight different back fours. This is a number that can be explained by unexpected absences, due to injury or suspension, as well as by the 54-year-old tactician’s weakness in dealing with various elements. Like Salma Basha, the professional full-back turned winger, or Mai Lakrar, who was moved back to midfield after starting the tournament on the right, many of the outfield players were used in different positions during the World Cup. So much so that, with the exception of captain Wendi Renard, no one seems quite sure of his or her place in the French defence.
Since Griedge Mbock was unable to participate in all the meetings in September, Parisian Jade Le Guilly was summoned, before finally withdrawing from the rally. Thus, this beginning of the League of Nations campaign should be an opportunity to test, or rather re-test, several options at the crossroads with Elisa de Almeida and Estelle Cascarino, who had not yet felt completely satisfied. The challenge for Herve Renard will be to establish clear starting players, without restricting their ability to play elsewhere on the pitch. Unlike the World Cup or European Championships where the rule of 23 prevails, Olympic selection can only include 18 players. Therefore, diversity is a quality that should not be overlooked.
Popular momentum to maintain it
Photo of the French national team [à la Coupe du monde] It was perfect: in terms of audiences, fans, and following, we had gained something. “It must be preserved, cultivated and improved.” When revealing his first post-World Cup squad, he described himself shortly after his appointment as “A kind of VRP for women’s football” He stressed the importance “Retain and confirm” This new close connection with the French public was created this summer. 17,000 tickets have already been sold for the match against Portugal in Valenciennes, compared to an average of 10,600 for the French national team’s receptions this year.
A crucial aspect because the Olympic Games will be held on home soil in 2024. “These pitches have to be of good quality, they have to be a spectacle and not an amateur game on a Sunday. It’s up to us to attract spectators.”“, Hervé Renard insisted again on the eve of the meeting. There is no doubt that this will lead to good results in the Nations League. We start with Friday’s win over Portugal.
