First day of group D of the World Cup in Qatar 2022
The champion makes her debut at the World Cup in Qatar. France will have to fight against History so as not to run the fate of the defending champion. Four of the last five fell in the group stage in the next participation after winning the World Cup. It already happened to the Gauls themselves in 2002. That and Karim Benzema’s injury will have to overcome one of the great favorites to win the tournament.
How France arrives: The French are one of the great favorites to win the tournament. It remains to be seen how having lost the Ballon d’Or a few days after his debut in the championship affects them emotionally. Karim Benzema was injured and is left without the possibility of lifting the World Cup before retiring -it seems difficult that we will see it in 2026-. So is Christopher Nkunku. With everything, they have plenty of quality in the squad, with footballers like Mbappé, Griezmann or Dembélé.
How Australia arrives: The Australians have suffered more than usual to get into the World Cup. They decided to change Oceania for Asia to raise their demand and that has not diminished their competitiveness. On the contrary, it has made them stronger. They arrived at this World Cup having a hard time, having to resort to the intercontinental play-off. They left Peru without a championship in the famous repechage. Everything to get to today’s appointment. They have their options to pass the group stage, although it does not seem that this is the most propitious game to scratch something.
By Fernando Perez (Football Analyst, Spain)
Bengali