By S. Willis
As France get set to present their World Cup trophy to their fans at the Stade de France, coach Didier Deschamps remains mindful of the importance of getting a result in their UEFA Nations League clash with the Netherlands.
Sunday, 9 September 2018
UEFA Nations League
League A, Group 1
Stade de France, Paris
France – Netherlands 
(Kick-off at 20:45 CET)
French players and fans alike all expressed their desire to have a celebration of Les Bleus‘ World Cup win in the first home game following the tournament in Russia in June/July, and now Sunday night is set to be a huge party as Didier Deschamps and his men present the world’s most sought-after football trophy to their supporters at the Stade de France.
Eyes on the prize
But the France boss knows there is other important business to attend to.
“I’ve spoken to the lads a bout managing the emotions of this communion with the fans. Especially as, to give full respect to the Netherlands, we have a Nations League match to play beforehand,” explained Deschamps, whose side can charge of League A’s group 1 with a win over the Oranje. “It won’t be possible to put the celebrations completely out of our minds – it will be pretty full-on emotionally – but we should make sure it’s a great party by getting a win to kick things off.”
Slight tinkering
With this in mind, Dechamps is tipped to slightly alter the 4-2-3-1 formation that drew 0-0 with Germany on Thursday, going for a 4-4-2 with Antoine Griezmann pushing up from his playmaking role to accompany Olivier Giroud – now without a goal in ten outings for his country – at the point of the attack.
Full-backs Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez make way for Djibril Sidibé and Benjamin Mendy on either side of Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti, while Paris Saint-Germain ‘keeper Alphonse Areola – fresh from a stellar debut against Germany – will once again line up between the sticks.
Depay ready to step up
Meanwhile Netherlands’ boss Ronald Koeman will be looking to Olympique Lyonnais star Memphis Depay to lead from the front following the retirement of Wesley Sneijder, the Netherlands’ all-time most-capped player.
“It’s true that since Wesley Sneijder left, I have felt more pressure on me, but it’s not just me. We have lots of great players who play for big clubs,” explained the skilful forward, eager to play a role as the Netherlands look to bounce back from missing out on Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. “I will do my very best to help lift our game, along with my teammates.”
Depay has been in excellent club form, already with a couple of stunning goals to his name after four matches of the Ligue 1 Conforama season, and the 24-year-old struck twice in the 2-1 friendly win over Peru on Thursday.
Probable teams
France: Areola; Sidibé, Varane, Umtiti, B. Mendy; Mbappé, Pogba, N. Kanté, Matuidi; Griezmann, Giroud
Netherlands: Cillessen; Tete, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, Pröpper, F. De Jong, Babel; Promes, Depay
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