League of Nations. Why must the French team finish first in its group?

The sad draw against Israel (0-0) on Thursday November 14 was synonymous with qualification for the quarter-finals of the Nations League for the France team. Far from being conclusive in content, this match sealed the future of the Blues, who are now aiming for first place in their group B. In the event of a victory, by at least two goals, Didier Deschamps’ players will be ahead the Italians.

A more lenient draw?

The first two teams in each of the four groups are qualified for the quarter-finals, which will be played in March 2025. But by finishing first in their group, the France team would ensure they challenge a team that finished second. Thus the Blues would avoid Portugal and Spain, already certain of finishing at the top of their groups. Germany is also in a very favorable position.

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In Group A, Croatia is in a very favorable tie to win second place. In Group C, uncertainty remains behind Germany: the Netherlands and Hungary are competing for a ticket to the quarter-finals, and meet again this Saturday (8:45 p.m.). Finally, Serbia and Denmark face each other on Monday November 18 (8:45 p.m.), to award second place in Group D.

Receive in the return match

The atmosphere at the Stade de France on Thursday evening against Israel was not really a formidable advantage for captain Ngolo Kanté’s teammates. However, facing a big European team, the support of the public in the last moments of the double confrontation of the quarter-finals will be precious.

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The teams which finish first in their group will have the advantage of receiving in the return match. The French team took advantage of this system more than ten years ago, dominating Ukraine 3-0, after losing 0-2 away during the Cup qualifying play-offs. of the world 2014 in Brazil. That evening, the atmosphere at the Stade de France was of rare excitement. Didier Deschamps was already on the bench, but it was another era.