Soccer-France out to get the job done against Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan don't have the strength of Belgium or Spain, no offence to them, but we have to get the job done on Saturday." France have 12 points from six games in Group D and lead Ukraine, who have played a game more, by three points while Kazakhstan lie at the bottom on three points. Real Madrid striker Benzema is available despite not taking part in group training before Friday's session.


Reuters | Paris | Updated: 12-11-2021 22:53 IST | Created: 12-11-2021 22:53 IST
Soccer-France out to get the job done against Kazakhstan
  • Country:
  • France

France will be out to get the job done when they host Kazakhstan in a key World Cup qualifier at the Parc des Princes, coach Didier Deschamps said on Friday. The defending champions will qualify for next year's finals in Qatar with one game to spare if they win on Saturday ahead of next week's trip to Finland.

After their shock elimination in the last 16 at Euro 2020 against Switzerland in June, Les Bleus have bounced back in style, winning the Nations League with impressive victories against Belgium and Spain in the semi-finals and final. But Deschamps refused to take anything for granted.

"The Nations League does not give us any guarantees. Above all, the French team have proved that they have a mental strength and mindset," Deschamps told a news conference, adding that the linkup between Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann up front was improving. "We lost it for 10 minutes (against Switzerland) but we had it before or after. The combination of the front three worked better in October.

"We need to fine-tune what's going on up front or around. Kazakhstan don't have the strength of Belgium or Spain, no offence to them, but we have to get the job done on Saturday." France have 12 points from six games in Group D and lead Ukraine, who have played a game more, by three points while Kazakhstan lie at the bottom on three points.

Real Madrid striker Benzema is available despite not taking part in group training before Friday's session. "We didn't take any risks. Karim also knows how to manage himself after a little (physical) problem with Real," said Deschamps.

"He will participate in (tonight's) session and will be available this Saturday."

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Give Feedback