Denmark-France: behind the scenes of the defeat of the Blues – RMC Sport

Abused and disappointing in Copenhagen, the Blues lost Sunday night against Denmark in the League of Nations (2-0), their last match before the World Cup. What, inevitably, to install the doubt in certain spirits. RMC Sport takes you behind the scenes of this meeting.UBS (Upamecano-Badiashile-Saliba), the surprise of DeschampsAfter the successful meeting against Austria, which ended in a 2-0 victory last Thursday, a revamped French team was expected against Denmark. But few imagined a turnover of such proportions… Five changes, an unprecedented defense with Dayot Upamecano, Benoit Badiashile and William Saliba, Raphaël Varane on the bench, Eduardo Camavinga in the middle and especially Olivier Giroud in attack with Kylian Mbappé. AC Milan striker, second top scorer in the history of the Blues, was indeed announced on the bench by the press. But he felt able to continue, and the decision to align him was taken after discussion with Didier Deschamps. Giroud discovered the starting lineup, like the rest of the group, during the chat at the hotel around 6 p.m. At the same time, the coach organized a video session to explain what he expected from his players. It is clear, after the first 45 minutes at Parken Stadium, that the message was not heard. The tricolor defense suffered too much, the fluidity of the sequences seen last Thursday disappeared and the loss of balls in the middle prevented the construction. William Saliba and Eduardo Camavinga, little in sight, gave up their places at the break. The score will not move. A missed opportunity After the meeting, Didier Deschamps did not mince words in the locker room. “The Danes gave us a lesson in duels,” he told his men, asking them to take care of them over the next few weeks, and adding… that he will not just of the happy in November by revealing its list. In front of him, heads are low. Even if among executives, we take defeat better. A majority of the workforce quickly left the premises. “They are coming, the others”, slips Kylian Mbappé, without stopping, to the journalists present in the mixed zone. Antoine Griezmann and Aurélien Tchouaméni appear in front of the cameras. Until the airport, it is then radio silence. The first discussions arrive on the plane. Before the aircraft takes off, some exchange messages with their loved ones. Those who missed out are bound to be disappointed. Dayot Upamecano or Eduardo Camavinga wonder if this performance will definitely close the door to the World Cup for them. William Saliba is quite irritated but knows his potential and maintains confidence. Youssouf Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are relatively satisfied with their first steps with the Blues. The plane landed overnight in Paris. Didier Deschamps and his team will take stock of this gathering, but a member of the staff slips in with a smile: “Hurrah for the return of the injured”. This is the feeling that dominated this Sunday evening in Copenhagen. As in all teams, some players are essential…