France captain Kylian Mbappe was named on the bench for Friday’s Euro 2024 Group D game against the Netherlands. The 25-year-old striker had suffered a broken nose during Monday’s 1-0 victory over Austria. However, there was optimism that Mbappe would be able to play as he took part in training on Thursday wearing a mask featuring the French tricolor.
Unfortunately, Mbappe was not included in the starting lineup, and instead, Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram were named in the attack. Mbappe did emerge for the warm-up, but he wore a different mask than the one he had worn during training. This was due to Uefa regulations that require a specific type of mask to be used during matches.
Griezmann acknowledged that Mbappe’s absence would be a blow to the team, stating, “He’s one of the best players in the world, whether you have him or not makes a huge difference.” He also emphasized the need for the entire team to adapt and make the necessary adjustments in order to compensate for Mbappe’s absence. Griezmann highlighted the importance of adaptability in football and how it can be a strength for the team.
Mbappe’s absence will undoubtedly affect France’s attacking prowess. As one of the most talented players in the world, Mbappe brings speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability to the team. His absence will require other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. Players like Griezmann and Thuram will need to take on added responsibility and contribute more in terms of goals and creativity.
The team’s tactics may also need to be adjusted without Mbappe’s presence on the pitch. France’s gameplan may rely more on collective play and creating scoring opportunities through teamwork rather than relying on individual brilliance. This can be a challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities and make a significant impact.
Overall, Mbappe’s absence will certainly be felt by the French national team. However, with a talented squad and experienced coach in Didier Deschamps, they have the ability to adapt and overcome this setback. The team will need to come together, make the necessary adjustments, and continue to perform at a high level in order to secure victory in their upcoming matches.