The World Cup starts on Thursday, 11th June, with Mexico hosting South Africa. France's first game is against Senegal on Tuesday, 16th June at 8:00 pm. Didier Deschamps' side should not take that game for granted, as several teams in the World Cup are capable of surprises. Les Bleus had a wake-up call in the 2-1 friendly defeat at home to the Ivory Coast.
Five French internationals were called up by Deschamps for the World Cup: Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé. More players could have made the squad, as Lucas Chevalier wasn't called up and Senny Mayulu hasn't been capped by the senior National team yet. They joined the camp late after Les Parisiens' successful Champions League triumph against Arsenal last weekend. Here at PSG Post, we discuss why the PSG players can contribute to France winning the World Cup
How can PSG players lift France to a third World Cup?
They are France's best players
You could argue that every PSG player called up by Deschamps should start at the World Cup. Dembélé, Doué, and Barcola are quality attackers, Lucas Hernandez is a versatile defender, and Zaire-Emery has limitless potential. The only player you could argue shouldn't be starting is Lucas Hernandez, as Les Bleus have Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne at left back. France and PSG are similar in the sense that attack is the strongest part of their team.
They will be full of confidence after retaining the Champions League.
The PSG players who were involved in the Champions League final last weekend will play with renewed confidence. They will have more self-belief after making history in becoming the first French team to win multiple Champions Leagues. Marseille had triumphed once in 1993, but that victory was marred by allegations of doping involving Marcel Desailly, Jean-Jacques Eydelie, Chris Waddle, and Tony Cascarino. It was only the second time that a team has retained the Champions League since its rebrand in 1992.
Didier Deschamps may not be as defensive
The Champions League final was a showcase of Europe's best attack against Europe's best defence. Despite scoring early, Arsenal were trying to stifle PSG even after they equalised in the second half. Arteta's side had no real attacking intent throughout the 120 minutes. This shows that attack is the best form of defence. The reigning European champions had 72% possession and were trying to carve open a stubborn defence. Enrique's side had four shots on target compared to Arsenal, who scored with their only shot on goal. Deschamps can learn from this by not being as defensive as he was in the Euros.
