Despite the coach accepting fault for the defeat, these are the players who will ultimately be held responsible
Despite topping their World Cup group, France were left bitterly disappointed following their final group game loss to Tunisia.
The 1-0 defeat was the result of French coach Didier Deschamps making a raft of changes to his starting XI following his team’s earlier successes and group win.
“I made more changes than expected because there were players who were injured (Marcus Thuram was sidelined at the last minute with illness) and because the first two games were very intense,” said Deschamps after the match.
Despite the result France topped the group and now await Poland in the Round of 16.
The fact is that there are several players who also failed to grasp their opportunity. Even the likes of first-choice starters, Raphael Varane and Aurelien Tchouameni, did not have a good afternoon. Ibrahima Konate was far and away the best player for Les Bleus.
However, the following is a list of players who should shoulder some amount of responsibility for the loss.
Matteo Guendouzi
While Guendouzi was forced to play on the left flank following the introduction of Tchouameni and Jordan Veretout in the middle, he hardly ever reached the opposition goal and was absent for large chunks of the game.
Jordan Veretout
Speaking of Veretout, the Marseille man failed to offer any real presence in the middle of the park. Veretout barely touched the ball in the first half and was responsible for several misplayed passes that ultimately put his defense in a world of trouble.
Eduardo Camavinga
Of the players in this list, Camavinga probably has the best excuse lined up. The Real Madrid youngster was played out of position occupying a spot on the wings, which isn’t really playing to his strength.
Given that none of the midfielders played well, he may yet be given a second chance.
Raphael Varane
Varane is still feeling the hangover from his injury. The French star has not looked the same during his two games at the World Cup and is probably better off being on the bench for France.
Kingsley Coman
Coman was the most anticipated inclusion in this French team. The winger failed to capitalize on his opportunity with Ousemane Dembele now the first choice on the left for the French national team.
Benjamin Pavard
One of the stars of the 2018 World Cup Pavard is in danger of dropping out of the French team. Deschamps has preferred to deploy Jules Kounde on the right and has even stated Pavard isn’t in the best condition going into the World Cup.
“I have had several conversations with him and I have considered that he is not in the best condition. It is evident that his first game has not helped him,” Deschamps said of Pavard.
Wesley Fofana
Playing alongside Touchameni, Fofana failed to make full use of a wonderful opportunity. The midfielder was deployed in his
