Furthermore, just before the semifinal against Morocco, amysterious virus producing flu symptoms hit very important players such asAdrien RabiotandDayot Upamecano. None of them played that match. After clinching a ticket to the final, Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate got the virus too. Incredibly,Theo Hernandez(left knee) andAurelien Tchouameni(hip) also had injuries.

However, in the begininning of the last training session, Didier Deschamps had every player at his disposal. Finally, everyone was healthy. A few minutes later, in a shocking development, the word spread out. Olivier Giroud suffered another injury in that practice leaving him in doubt for the final.

Why is Olivier Giroud in doubt for the World Cup final?

After that last training session before the final, a report from prestigious L’Equipe said that Olivier Giroud had knee pain because of a hit during practice. Inthe Qatar 2022 World Cup, Giroud became the top-scorer in France’s history and is a serious candidate to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.

Considering this scenario, many reports from France’s base camp warned that Didier Deschamps already tried a tactical alternative.He used almost the same starting lineup that won againstEnglandin the quarterfinals, but with one major change.Olivier Giroudout,Marcus Thuramin on the left side andKylian Mbappetaking Giroud’s spot as center forward.

Though Olivier Giroud has not been oficially ruled out of the final, Didier Deschamps had his players ready for the next man up scenario with Marcus Thuram. In an uphill battle against injuries, France might have to face one more challenge if they want the trophy against Argentina.

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France won Group D in Qatar 2022 and then, in the knockout stages, managed to survive with victories against Poland, England and Morocco. In a big difference with Argentina, the French squad haven’t needed extra time or a penaty shootout to advance at any round.

During this run towards the World Cup final, there are names who have been fundamental as starters. For example, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Varane, Hugo Lloris or Aurelien Tchouameni. However, in a very shocking turn of events, Didier Deschamps prepares a huge surprise in which one of those players might not begin the final.

What is France’s tactical plan against Argentina?

The first thing you need to know is that Didier Deschamps has all the players at his disposal. This Saturday, one day before the final, there were no absences in practice. Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot, Kingsley Coman, Raphael VaraneandIbrahima Konate are finally virus free (flu symptoms).

Furthermore,Theo Hernandez(left knee) andAurelien Tchouameni(hip) were also back. Considering this scenario, in the last training session for France, Didier Deschamps tried a shockingmove. Olivier Giroud in the bench.

According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, with information about the evening set-up for France, Didier Deschamps used almost the same starting lineup that won against England in the quarterfinals, but with one major twist. Oliver Giroud out, Marcus Thuram in on the left side and Kylian Mbappe taking the Giroud’s spot as center forward.

While this is not a confirmed lineup for the final, it could be indeed a huge tactical change to surpriseArgentina. The other doubt for Deschamps might be Ibrahima Konate or Dayot Upamecano as the partner for RaphaelVarane on defense. Konate had a great semifinal after Upamecano was out with the virus.

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