Doha, November 21 (QNA) – The coach of the French national team Didier Deschamps, affirmed his great confidence in his players before the opening match tomorrow against Australia, which is hosted by Al Janoub Stadium, for the Group D competitions of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
World Cup holders France will need Kylian Mbappe at his best in Qatar following the loss of Ballon dOr winner Karim Benzema to injury, coach Didier Deschamps said on Monday in a press conference.
The Real Madrid striker succumbed to a left thigh injury, although he played no part in France’s 2018 triumph in Russia when Mbappe burst onto the world stage.
Kylian Mbappe was just 19 but scored four goals during that World Cup, including one in the 4-2 final win over Croatia.
“He is still a young player, just a bit less than four years ago, but he already did very important things four years ago,” Deschamps told reporters in Doha.
“He doesnt have any more responsibility within the squad than he did before, but he has always had the ability to make the difference and we will need that.
“He has the ability to be decisive at any moment, unlike many other players.”
Mbappe, who turns 24 next month, will lead a French attack in which Olivier Giroud is now expected to start in the absence of Benzema.
(QNA)