After a complete 5-nil victory over Azerbaijan of their opening FIFA World Cup Qualifier (WCQ), Iceland face one of many hardest and difficult assignments in world soccer as they journey to Paris to tackle France.
Softfootball reported that Les Bleus, who have been runners-up on the final World Cup, began their marketing campaign strongly with a snug 2-0 win over Ukraine. Captain Kylian Mbappé as soon as once more underlined his standing as France’s talisman by equalling Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 worldwide objectives.
Didier Deschamps’ facet, regardless of their Nations League disappointment earlier in the summertime, can be assured of sustaining momentum. Their dwelling file in WCQs speaks volumes: France have suffered only one defeat in 32 years, with Spain the one group to win on French soil since 1993.
Iceland, nevertheless, arrive in good spirits after a outstanding 5-0 victory in opposition to Azerbaijan. That consequence was a much-needed enhance following relegation to the third tier of the Nations League.
Desires of a second-ever World Cup look are alive, however their away file stays a priority, with three defeats of their final 4 aggressive away outings.
Historical past can be in opposition to them: France has by no means misplaced to Iceland in 15 earlier encounters, profitable 11 and drawing 4. The final three aggressive conferences ended with an mixture rating of 10-2 in France’s favour.
France posted a video of the group coaching forward of the encounter by way of their official X deal with. Watch the video under:
Workforce Information
France can be with out Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué after each picked up accidents in opposition to Ukraine. On the optimistic facet, Michael Olise continues to shine, scoring 5 objectives in his final 4 matches for membership and nation.
Iceland’s hopes might relaxation on Ísak Jóhannesson, who scored twice of their opener, although they may miss midfielder Victor Pálsson after he was pressured off late within the final match.
Doable Line-ups
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann; Olise, Mbappé, Thuram.
Iceland (4-2-3-1): Rúnarsson; Sampsted, Ingason, Sigurdsson, Thorarinsson; Gunnarsson, Traustason; Jóhannesson, Thorsteinsson, Gudmundsson; Finnbogason.
France’s superior high quality and formidable dwelling file make them sturdy favourites. Nevertheless, with key attackers sidelined, the margin of victory will not be overwhelming. Iceland will look to frustrate and counter-attack, however their poor away type is a serious hurdle.
Prediction: France 2-0 Iceland
