Blueberries no longer have a choice.
Beaten for their entry into the competition on Thursday evening against Denmark (1-0), they must win this Sunday evening (9 p.m.) against Russia (then Wednesday in front of Iceland) under penalty of not seeing the final stages of the Euro Espoirs which will take place later, from May 31 to June 6.
Even more than the defeat, it is the level of play that challenged Thursday night against the Danes.
The Habs locked themselves in a game of sterile possession of the ball.
Too little for a formation that looks very good.
And in all positions, from Alban Lafont in the cages to Odsonne Edouard at the forefront, not to mention a royal midfielder, where Eduardo Camavinga and Jonathan Ikoné (respectively 3 selections and 4 selections with the A) must bring their experience of the very high level, just like the captain and former Gunners Mattéo Guendouzi.
So what's the problem ?
Admittedly, this group stage of the Euro, placed during domestic and continental club competitions, was not easy to prepare and Denmark has been undefeated for two years.
But, the Bleuets have to do a lot more on the field than this needy first game.
Ripoll not threatened, even in the event of elimination
"The options and the choices I made against Denmark proved me wrong in terms of content and result so I'm thinking about new things," coach Sylvain Ripoll announced at the press conference this Saturday.
Bringing rotations is part of the solutions.
Against Russia, we must have a strong reaction, because we are now without a net.
I feel an awareness.
We will have to bring more madness into our game to show our quality.
"
The coach must therefore find the best formula.
Wesley Fofana, lined up in the right lane Thursday, should return to his favorite position in central defense.
Lillois Jonathan Ikoné could start.
After 3 years at the head of the Hopes crowned with success with a double qualification for the Euro (2019, 2021), while France had not qualified for the continental event since 2006, and a ticket for the Olympic Games from Tokyo, a first for a quarter of a century (the presence of the French at the previous Olympic tournament dates back to Atlanta in 1996), the former coach of Lorient is facing his first difficulty.
In the event of elimination in the first round of the Euro, the coach, under contract until June 2022, would remain in his post and lead the team (with perhaps the reinforcement of 3 players over 23 years old) during of the Olympic tournament in Tokyo next August.
The president of the Noël Le Graët federation, Breton like him, appreciates his management and the results obtained in this category after many years of food shortages.
