Mbappe and Co face off in opposition to a cussed Poland as France’s title defence continues within the spherical of 16.
Who: France vs Poland
The place: Al Thumama Stadium
When: December 4, 6pm (15:00 GMT)
France will begin their World Cup last-16 conflict as overwhelming favourites however Poland are effectively outfitted to derail Les Bleus’ title defence at Al Thumama Stadium.
France certified for the knockout section with a recreation to spare after two trendy performances in opposition to Australia and Denmark however misplaced the ultimate group match to Tunisia after resting a number of key gamers.
Poland went by regardless of a 2-0 loss to Argentina of their remaining group recreation, carried by the opening section by their sturdy defence and the contact of striker Robert Lewandowski.
France will enter the competition with most of their prime gamers having recharged their batteries however endurance, greater than vitality, is likely to be key in opposition to Poland.
“They’ve skilled gamers. Clearly, Lewandowski is the stand-out participant, among the finest strikers on this planet,” mentioned coach Didier Deschamps. “We should always not underestimate them.”
France typically battle in opposition to compact sides who defend deep, akin to Poland, however Deschamps has the instruments to crack a recreation extensive open.
Whereas Kylian Mbappe, who’s chasing data in Qatar after already scoring seven World Cup targets earlier than the age of 24, may discover it exhausting to make use of his devastating tempo in opposition to a packed defence, Ousmane Dembele may very well be France’s major weapon.
The ahead’s relentless dribbling, surging a technique earlier than jinking one other, may very well be powerful to deal with for the Poles, who can even have to regulate Olivier Giroud within the field.
Poland, in the meantime, have moved to the knockout levels for the primary time in 36 years after ending second of their group behind Argentina.
Poland have been resolute on the again, having conceded simply twice within the event. Plenty of that’s right down to the heroics of their keeper Wojcieh Szczesny, who has arguably been their finest participant to date. He’s the one goalkeeper this World Cup to have saved penalty kicks, together with one by Lionel Messi.
However for all of Poland’s defensive resolve, they’ve been removed from prolific in entrance of aim and have scored simply twice this World Cup, each targets coming in opposition to Saudi Arabia. However Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz bristled on the criticism his facet’s conservative method has acquired.
“Those that weren’t enjoying defensively on the World Cup are again dwelling watching on TV. Now we’re out of the group section, so we are going to change our plans,” Michniewicz mentioned forward of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to France.
“Our baggage shouldn’t be packed, we weren’t able to go dwelling earlier than enjoying Argentina and we’re not able to go dwelling now,” he added.
The winner of Sunday’s match will face both England or Senegal within the quarter-finals.