Deschamps: We could play with two strikers France coach Didier Deschamps is confident he can field a side with two strikers after seeing Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud combine well together in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil warm-up. France beat Jamaica 8-0 on Sunday with Benzema bagging a brace and Giroud also getting on the scoresheet. But with Deschamps preferring to play one central striker flanked by two wide players, it would seem the two are unlikely to line up together like they did against the hapless Caribbean minnows. But Deschamps says he would be confident they could perform together even against stronger opposition. Of course that could work. If we have the ball its less of a problem, he said. But if we have less of the ball there needs to be greater (defensive) participation from the three attacking players. Real Madrids Benzema played wide left against Jamaica, although he had the freedom to roam all across the front line, while Giroud stuck largely to a central position. When playing more capable opponents, though, a more disciplined set-up might be required. Yet Deschamps says he already knows who will line up in their opening Group E match against Honduras on Sunday. Asked if he knows his team, Deschamps said: Yes, even though Ive been given food for thought. I hope nothing happens in the week but I know how were going to line up. Weve lost a world class player, whos already played at World Cups. Hes a player who makes a difference but there are others too. Didier Deschamps on the loss of Franck Ribery Whoever plays, Deschamps is expecting all his players to take a role in replacing the injured Franck Ribery, who misses the World Cup. Asked about those who consider France to be Ribery plus ten others, Deschamps replied: They have the right to think that but right now its a France team without Ribery. Its up to us to show that were able to be competitive. Whats sure is that weve lost a world class player, whos already played at World Cups. Hes a player who makes a difference but there are others too. I believe in them. As for Sundays opponents, Deschamps said it would be unfair to brand them as overly aggressive, something England complained about after playing the central Americans in a friendly at the weekend. Thats part of their characteristics as a team, I saw their last match against England, said the former Juventus, Marseille and Monaco coach. Theyre physically combative and well be ready for that but weve had messages about what the referees are going to do. If it goes over the line it will be punished, for them as it will for us. Its one of their strong points but not the only one. I wouldnt want to reduce Honduras to that, they have quality players up front.
Posted on: Wed, 11 Jun 2014 01:24:39 +0000
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