Euro 2020 qualifiers: Iceland 0-4 France - 5 talking points and analysis

#1 France back to their best

Didier Deschamps

France has been around the higher echelons of the international circuit over the past few years. After enduring heart-break at the Euro 2016 final, they put those ghosts to rest a couple of years later with a triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Through the said tournament, the French side looked well-drilled with their midfield and attack unrivalled. However, since their success in Russia, their offensive play has looked disjointed with them producing some sub-par performances.

Thus, the French faithful wondered if the after-effects of scaling the World Cup peak had started to rear its ugly head. Yet, Deschamps’ men allayed those fears with a scintillating display against Iceland.

The hosts looked lively from the outset and drew some smart saves from Halldorsson. The trio of Mbappe, Griezmann, and Giroud enjoyed themselves as they dragged the visitors into uncomfortable areas.

The midfield pairing of Kante and Pogba dominated possession and kept the ball moving swiftly.

Defensively, they were rarely troubled as Hugo Lloris & Co. enjoyed a relatively quiet evening.

Yet, the most promising aspect for France would’ve been the vigour they showed on the pitch. Whenever they lost possession, the hosts hunted in packs and won it back. Thus, portraying that they’re doing anything but resting on their laurels.

The French side is still young with several of its players primed to reach their peak in a year’s time. Hence, they have a decent chance of emulating their Spanish counterparts and ensuring world domination.

And if Monday’s game was any indicator, France definitely has the adequate resources to come up trumps in the years to come.