A Failed Test for the French National Team Ahead of the European Cup

The French national team, the world runner-up, finished their preparations for the 2024 European Football Cup, which begins on Friday in Germany, with a scoreless draw and a lackluster performance against their Canadian counterparts in a friendly match held in Bordeaux.

Coach Didier Deschamps fielded most of his key players, led by Atletico Madrid’s star Antoine Griezmann. Kylian Mbappe, who recently moved to Real Madrid, started on the bench but replaced Marcus Thuram in the 74th minute after recovering from a minor knee injury sustained during the 3-0 friendly victory over Luxembourg last Wednesday in Metz.

Mbappe, who missed the last two training sessions for the national team and continued individual exercises, nearly scored the winning goal with a brilliant solo effort in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time. He skillfully maneuvered past two defenders inside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot, which was blocked by goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Deschamps also substituted Arsenal’s William Saliba for Ibrahima Konate and included Dayot Upamecano in the lineup.

The starting lineup for the Canadian national team featured Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Lille striker Jonathan David.

The French national team is considered one of the top contenders for the European Cup title, hosted by Germany from June 14 to July 14, as they aim to win their third continental championship following victories in 1984 and 2000.

France is in Group D, alongside the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria. They will begin their campaign against Austria on June 17, face the Netherlands in a highly anticipated match four days later, and conclude the group stage against Poland on June 25.

Meanwhile, Canada, coached by American Jesse Marsch, are preparing for the Copa America competition, which will be held in the United States starting on June 21. They are in Group A alongside world champions Argentina, Peru, and Chile.