Surfing on the dynamics of qualification, avoiding tiles and developing technical relationships for new heads: despite the absence of issues on the accounting level, this trip to Baku was not devoid of objectives for
the French team.
Didier Deschamps had bet on an unprecedented eleven by giving playing time to all his supposed replacements, including at the goalkeeper position, where Lucas Chevalier made his first appearance as a starter. In the other lines, elements like Malo Gusto, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche, Hugo Ekitike or Jean-Philippe Mateta had the opportunity to show themselves. An approach that paid off against a limited opponent.
The Blues do the job
Unsurprisingly, the Blues upheld their standing to end this qualifying campaign with a good mark. But it wasn’t flamboyant. After being picked up cold on a quick opening score from Dadashov (1-0, 4th), the tricolors regained the upper hand in a rather messy first act. Malo Gusto, involved in the Azerbaijani goal, sounded the revolt by distributing 2 caviars for Mateta (1-1, 17th) then Akliouche (1-2, 30th). Kephren Thuram (1-3, 45th+1) sealed the deal at the end of the first half where the Blues collected rejected goals. Blues who were content to manage this advantage in the second half, according to the changes. Mission accomplished.
