A gala match. The France-Brazil necessarily brings back good memories to the supporters of the Blues, especially those of the last 50 years: 1986, 1998 of course and 2006. Enough to make us forget 1958. There are not very many of them left who saw the gang of Just Fontaine and Raymond Kopa bow down to the Pelé phenomenon. This time, it is in a friendly match that the two national teams meet, 11 years to the day after their last confrontation at the Stade de France won 3-1 by the Seleçao with Neymar captain and scorer that evening. Number 10 will not be present for this new episode, insufficiently recovered physically according to Carlo Ancelotti.
The Auriverdes have other aces up their sleeve, but from a Brazilian point of view, the French team will appear at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (Thursday, 9 p.m.) as the very big favorite. “When we look at the list of those summoned by France, it is clear that it is far superior to our selection in all sectors», begins an editorial from Globobelieving that only Alisson, unavailable and injured for this international break, would have been able to compare with Maignan. “If we look at Ancelotti’s squad, I think that only Vinicius and Raphinha would currently be able to claim a starting place in the France team“. Except for this.
“Led by Mbappé and Dembélé, France far surpasses Brazil»
The list of French offensive talents is frightening: Mbappé, let’s not introduce ourselves, Dembélé the reigning Ballon d’Or, Doué, Cherki, Olise “to name only the main ones», even laughs the editorialist. The work of Carlo Ancelotti is praised, as is his list which “couldn’t have been better with all the players available at the moment», but the experience of Didier Deschamps is still highlighted. “He will experience his 4th World Cup. Ancelotti has been working with Brazil for months, but the team is far from spectacular. He is still building it», Continues the media, satisfied with the choice to play with 4 attackers, but with the disadvantages that go with it.
Brazil does not shine with its defense and by assuming a resolutely offensive imbalance, the risk of taking on water from all sides increases. To make matters worse, the injuries are piling up behind. After Alisson, Alex Sandro and Gabriel, Marquinhos is also out. Fortunately, the adaptability of the Italian coach remains, underlines another article from Globoworried before facing the Blues. France is one of the three favorites for the title, with Spain and Argentina. “Led by Mbappé and Dembélé, it largely surpasses Brazil. Champion in 2018, finalist in 2022 and with assured succession thanks to an excellent generation of young talents, she is the big favorite for Thursday’s match“.
Vinicius and Ancelotti are admiring
Even Vinicius confirmed at a press conference. “I don’t think we are the favorites given our resultssays the Madrilenian, confident despite everything. But the weight of the jersey, the weight of the players we have here… We just had to find our automatisms, and since the arrival of Ancelotti, we have a better idea of our game. He takes a lot of pressure off us. We must give everything“. Carlo Ancelotti also added his compliment. “France is a high quality team. She excels in all areas. She has a quality attack and great speed“. Also a way to put pressure on an opponent capable of being irregular, and to rush into the gap.
