2022 FIFA World Cup | Group D: In form Benzema gives potent France chance of back-to-back crowns

13.11.2022 - 06:11 news24.com

Factfile on France, Tunisia, Australia and Denmark who are in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group D.FRANCEBest World Cup performance: Winners in 1998 and 2018Other honours: European Championship winners in 1984 and 2000; FIFA Confederations Cup winners 2001, 2003; UEFA Nations League winners 2021FIFA ranking: 4Main clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Rennes, Nice, LilleHow they qualified: Finished first in European qualifying Group DCoachDidier Deschamps, 54, is one of only three men to have won the World Cup as a player and a coach.

He followed in the footsteps of Brazil's Mario Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer as he captained France to victory as hosts in 1998 and then coached them to glory four years ago in Russia.As a midfielder, Deschamps also won Euro 2000 with his country and was a Champions League winner with Marseille and Juventus.He was just 32 when he retired from playing and as a coach he took Monaco to a Champions League final and won Ligue 1 with Marseille before succeeding Laurent Blanc as France boss in 2012.

Deschamps also took Les Bleus to the last eight in Brazil in 2014 and the Euro 2016 final. They had a poor Euro 2020 but bounced back to win last year's UEFA Nations League. Key player Karim Benzema is enjoying a remarkable twilight to his career.

He will turn 35 the day after the World Cup final but he goes to Qatar fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or as recognition for his magnificent performances in captaining Real Madrid to glory in La Liga and the Champions League last season.

soccer cup Les Bleus Qatar France Germany Denmark Brazil Australia Tunisia Monaco Tunisia county Lyon Monaco

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is nearing its knockout phase. One of the top awards players compete for is the Golden Boot, awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament.

Tunisia out of World Cup despite shock win over much-changed France

DOHA: French-born Wahbi Khazri scored the only goal of the game as Tunisia claimed a famous 1-0 win over holders France at the World Cup on Wednesday, but it was not enough for them to reach the last 16. France coach Didier Deschamps, whose team were already through to the knockouts, made nine changes but they were a shadow of their usual selves and Khazri punished them in the 58th minute at Education City Stadium. Tunisia then had to hold on for the victory as an Antoine Griezmann goal in stoppage time was disallowed following a VAR review.

Australia Down Denmark To Seal World Cup Last 16 Berth; France Stunned By Tunisia

French-born Wahbi Khazri scored the only goal of the game as Tunisia claimed a famous 1-0 win over holders France at the World Cup on Wednesday, but it was not enough for them to reach the last 16. France coach Didier Deschamps, whose team were already through to the knockouts, made nine changes but they were a shadow of their usual selves and Khazri punished them in the 58th minute at Education City Stadium. Tunisia then had to hold on for the victory as an Antoine Griezmann goal in stoppage time was disallowed following a VAR review.

Mbappe double sinks Denmark and takes France into World Cup last 16

DOHA: Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday (Nov 26) to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.

Mbappe double sinks Denmark and takes France into World Cup last 16

DOHA: Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the World Cup. A potent French side knew a second victory in as many Group D outings would take them through to the knockout phase and they were well worth the lead that Mbappe gave them when he opened the scoring at Stadium 974 just after the hour mark.

France 2-1 Denmark: Mbappe double helps French reach World Cup knockout stage

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and put defending champion France into the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Denmark on Saturday.