France Eye Knockout Spot as Iraq Battle to Preserve World Cup Dream Alive – Softfootball

France will look to guide their place within the Spherical of 32 once they face Iraq in an important Group I conflict in Philadelphia on Monday.

Les Bleus started their World Cup marketing campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Senegal. Regardless of an early scare, the two-time world champions confirmed their high quality to safe all three factors and transfer a step nearer to qualification.

Main the cost as soon as once more is Kylian Mbappé, who continues so as to add to his rising assortment of World Cup information.

Victory in opposition to Iraq would assure qualification for the knockout rounds with a recreation to spare, strengthening France’s place as one of many favourites to raise the trophy in North America.

For Iraq, the problem is much higher. The Lions of Mesopotamia suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Norway of their opening fixture, with the Scandinavian aspect impressed by a scientific show from Erling Haaland.

Nevertheless, one other loss might depart Iraq on the point of elimination, particularly if Norway keep away from defeat in opposition to Senegal within the group’s different fixture.

Crew information

France have been exercising warning over defensive quartet William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez and Malo Gusto in latest days, however there may be nothing to counsel that they won’t be match to face Iraq on Monday.

After changing into the youngest Frenchman to attain on his World Cup debut since Thierry Henry 28 years in the past, Barcola can also be being tipped to interchange Want Doue on the left-hand aspect.

Doable Lineups

France doable beginning lineup:

Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe

Iraq doable beginning lineup:

Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Hussein, Al-Hamadi

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Match predictions

Softfootball predicts France 3-0 Iraq

Iraq shouldn’t even expertise a sliver of pleasure in entrance of aim, as Les Bleus sail into the final 32 with a clear sheet in row.