Unsurprisingly, Didier Deschamps did not reveal his plans for France-Belgium this Sunday at a press conference. Fortunately, we can always count on the hexagonal press to reveal everything.
Many people imagine a very tight France-Belgium. “A draw, a narrow victory, or even a penalty shootout”, is the answer that comes up very often. Unthinkable, therefore, that the two teams arrive without having prepared as best as possible for the scenario of a penalty shootout.
Yet, Didier Deschamps dismissed the question this Sunday, in his own style. “Anyway, last time, I made 7 changes, so these are not the players I imagined for the session.” Among others (read again here).
We are used to the cynicism on and off the pitch from the French coach. Fortunately, we can always count on the French press to tell us everything about the plans of the Blues. After kindly revealing Deschamps’ game plan (a 4-4-2 without “real” wingers), The team We now learn that yes, France prepared penalty shootouts in a specific way.
France does not excel at penalty shootouts
Because during the last two major tournaments, France was eliminated on penalties, and would therefore not be favorites in this scenario. For 10 minutes during the last training session, the Blues would therefore have worked on penalties.
Specific exercises for the shooters, and some information about the habits of Belgian players for the goalkeeper(s). A minimal amount of work, because the EDF does not have a specialist in the field, but work that was not always done in the past. Proof that we are not serene on the French side?
