Morocco, the surprise semi‑finalists from the previous tournament, will present France with its most demanding challenge yet as the two sides meet in the upcoming quarter‑final.
Former World Cup champion Marcel Desailly warned that France’s left‑back position could become a focal point for the Atlas Lions. He noted that while Jules Koundé is reliable defensively, he offers limited attacking threat.
Desailly also criticised Lucas Hernández, describing his defensive work as below expectations and his crossing as inconsistent. He suggested that coach Didier Deschamps may opt for Lucas Digne, who, although not superior overall, provides greater defensive stability.
The outcome of the match could shape the race for the Ballon d’Or, with Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise emerging as leading candidates should France lift the trophy.
Desailly highlighted Ousmane Dembélé’s recent performances, noting that public sentiment already leans toward him as a potential winner. He emphasized that the final decision will depend on individual statistics and contributions throughout the tournament.
Mbappé’s World Cup campaign has been historic, breaking the French national team’s scoring record despite a challenging club season, underscoring his claim to the Golden Boot.
Olise’s display at the tournament has drawn praise for his leadership and goal‑scoring tally, prompting speculation about his eligibility for the Ballon d’Or.
Desailly stressed that the award will consider not only the quantity of goals but also their quality and the overall performance of the French side.
While Mbappé and Dembélé hold a clear advantage, veteran stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain attentive observers of the competition.
Desailly cautioned that Olise, though talented, has yet to reach the level of the tournament’s frontrunners and must continue to develop before being viewed as a serious Ballon d’Or contender.
