Peru won't be bullied by France and other talking points ahead of World Cup Group C clash

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  • France will be hoping to make it two wins in two when they take on Peru in a World Cup Group C clash.

    Les Bleus didn’t exactly set the stage alight with their performance against Australia and will hope to put in a more dominant display.

    Here are a few talking points ahead of the encounter.

    LACKING DIRECTION

    France avoided the disastrous start that befell so many of the big hitters at this World Cup and sit on top of Group C. However, their 2-1 win over Australia was anything but convincing. Didier Deschamps has failed to implement a fundamental style of play and identity for his side.

    After predominantly opting for an underwhelming 4-4-2 formation over the last couple of years, he belatedly turned to a 4-3-1-2 system, often resembling a 4-3-3, with Antoine Griezmann in a more withdrawn role behind two wide forwards in Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.

    While Deschamps should at least be credited for attempting to be more attack-minded as the inclusion of that front three and Corentin Tolisso in Blaise Matuidi’s stead would suggest, it hasn’t produced fluid football.

    Tolisso in particular looked lost in Les Bleus’ tournament opener. He didn’t seem to know exactly what his role was and the same could be said of several other players who started the encounter, making for a disjointed display. Given that Deschamps has been in charge since 2012, there can be no excuse for his team’s lack of direction.

    The 49-year-old has singled out Griezmann – who scored from the spot against Australia – to “do more”. But if England’s Golden Generation has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t field your best players and simply expect them to deliver results when there are serious flaws in the system or the execution of it.

    Deschamps’ side lacks an identity.

    PERU WON’T BE BULLIED

    Peru coach Ricardo Gareca is adamant that his side will not be bullied by overwhelming favourites France in their Group C clash.

    Following their impressive display against Denmark, despite losing 1-0, many will be inclined to believe the 60-year-old.

    “This involves playing to our style and not letting France push us around. We are obviously not going to be able to control France all the time but we want to develop our style of play. Our intention is to win,” he said at a press conference.

    While Peru may be well short of the quality France possess, they seem determined not to exit their first World Cup campaign in 36 years with a whimper.

    They had 17 shots and six on target to Denmark’s 10 and three in the first round and the greater share of possession. Had Christian Cueva not skied his penalty in the first half, it could’ve been a different story for Peru. France will have to be on their guard.

    Ricardo Gareca.

    Ricardo Gareca.

    SHORT OF LEADERSHIP

    One of the reasons Deschamps called upon Griezmann to be more influential following the game against Australia is because he’s one of the few leaders in the team.

    “Antoine is Antoine: he is our attacking leader and he will remain our leader of attack,” Deschamps said.

    He’s not wrong. France have a wealth of talent at their disposal but do seem to have a dearth of strong characters capable of providing leadership on the pitch.

    For all the ability that Dembele and Mbappe are blessed with, they did seem to require guidance in the first game. Both youngsters repeatedly attempted to cut inside, unwittingly narrowing the play, stifling their own midfield players and making it easier for Australia to contend with.

    The more mature Nabil Fekir was far more decisive with his efforts when he came on for Dembele, linking up well with Paul Pogba.

    Meanwhile, Samuel Umtiti posted a picture of his handball incident on his Instagram story – which he has since deleted – with a basketball hoop inserted as if he were going for a dunk. Making light of what could’ve been a costly error speaks volumes of the level of immaturity several of France’s key players are guilty of.

    France have a dearth of leadership.

    France have a dearth of leadership.

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