Denmark and Austria in the first two places, ahead of Croatia and France, finalists of the last World Cup.
We did not really expect this classification in Group A of the League of Nations at the end of the first leg.
The Blues have collected just two points from three games.
Defeated at home by Denmark (1-2) a week ago, then hung in Croatia (1-1) on Monday, they stalled again Friday evening in Austria (1-1).
Despite these disappointing performances six months before the World Cup, the upturn is still possible.
Going from last to first in this group is still possible provided that Denmark does not achieve a three out of three during the return phase.
France is almost forced to win three times.
Starting with Monday evening against Croatia at the Stade de France (Seine-Saint-Denis).
- With a clear round, Didier Deschamps' men would be at least second (eleven points).
From here, the desired - and most likely - scenario is for the Danish leader to drop points en route in the next two encounters.
In this case, we would attend a final on Sunday, September 25 in Denmark.
If it wins, France would scratch the first position on the wire.
- We can also imagine, but much more complicated, that before this final match, France is already in the lead.
This would require that the Blues take six points out of six of course, but also that Denmark lose their two duels against Austria and Croatia and that at the same time, these two nations neutralize each other.
France would then have eight points, Austria and Croatia seven points and Denmark six.
A draw could then be enough on the 6th day in Copenhagen.
This is the only scenario in which France would have its destiny in its hands.
As in the first two editions, finishing first in a 1st division group allows you to play a final phase with the other group winners in June 2023. This was the case for the Blues of Benzema, winners of the mini-tournament at the last fall.
It also offers a chance of qualification for Euro 2024 if the classic route via the qualifiers proves to be a failure.
On the other hand, if the Blues finish last in their pool, they will be relegated to League B, a sort of second division of the League of Nations.
Group A after 3 days
1. Denmark: 6 points (+1).
2. Austria: 4 pts (+2)
3. Croatia: 2 pts (-2)
4. France: 2 pts (-1)
The calendar
Day 4: France-Croatia, Monday June 13 (8:45 p.m.).
Day 5: France-Austria, Thursday September 22 (8:45 p.m.)
Matchday 6: Denmark-France, Sunday September 25 (8:45 p.m.).
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