Didier Deschamps was given a reminder of France’s strength in depth, moments after his side booked their place in the World Cup final.
Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ensured the reigning world champions will take on Argentina in a blockbuster final in Qatar. Les Bleus were made to work for their 2-0 victory however, with Morocco ensuring they weren’t able to enjoy the same kind of second-half cruise Lionel Messi and Co. enjoyed on Tuesday night.
In fact, until Muani came off the bench to score France’s second goal with just over 10 minutes remaining, Morocco were firmly in the tie. Deschamps’ decision to bring Muani on for Ousmane Dembele was a contentious one, leaving the richly talented Kingsley Coman on the bench.
It marked a change of approach from the France boss who had called upon the 26-year-old in each of their previous five games in the tournament. However, it took just 44 seconds for Deschamps to be vindicated with Muani scoring with his very first touch.
But before joining the full-time celebrations with those on the pitch, Deschamps was forced to take on the role as mediator, with the clearly frustrated Coman approaching his manager. And while the conversation didn’t ever become aggressive, the disappointment from the Bayern Munich star was clear to see.
Coman’s reaction goes a long way to explain exactly why France are on the brink of making World Cup history this weekend. A win against Argentina will ensure the current holders become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain their crown.
And they go into that game without a host of players which would walk into almost any other side in the world. Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, N’Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku all missed the tournament, with France simply able to slide in other supreme talents.
That glut of injuries has allowed the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud to star throughout the campaign, two players who may have been substitutes in a squad at “full strength.”
And for the semi-final against Morocco, France had to deal with another pair of absentees with Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano ruled out with illness. One injury too many? Nothing of the sort as Youssouf Fofana and Ibrahima Konate deputised expertly.
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There should be no surprise then that somewhere along the line, someone like Coman could be left as the odd man out, but few would rule him out making an impact when it really matters this weekend.
“There’s emotion, there’s pride. Once again, it was an important step,” Deschamps said after his team’s victory.
“There’s still another one to go. We’ve been with the players for a month, it’s never easy, but it’s been a pleasure up to now.”
