Last chance saloon for France and Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps’ job is on the line ahead of France’s pivotal second-leg play-off clash at home to Ukraine. Les Bleus suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in Kyiv last Friday meaning they are on the verge of missing out on their first World Cup since 1994. Both the manager and players have been heavily criticised in the media following the lacklustre loss, which was described by some quarters as their worst ever.
Although a tough proposition France were still expected to swat away the challenge of Ukraine. However, their dismal showing at the Olimpiyskyy Stadium has piled on the pressure on ahead of the second-leg at the Stade de France tonight (Tuesday). If they fail to conjure up a comeback then Deschamps will almost certainly be shown the exit door after just 16 months at the helm.
The former Marseille boss remains optimistic about his side’s chances of progressing through to the Finals, and with the likes of Franck Ribery, Olivier Giroud, Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema in your ranks you would be. However, Deschamps’ frequent failure to gel his star studded squad together has been his major downfall, while the players themselves have been lambasted as arrogant, lazy and overrated.
On Tuesday both the manager and players have the chance to respond to their critics by overcoming the two-goal deficit and storming to the World Cup in style. They can be found at just 4/9 to win tonight, while they have longer odds of 2/1 to book their place in Brazil. Bet Victor have the hosts at a best-priced 19/2 to win 3-0.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs
- Romania v Greece
- Croatia v Iceland
- Sweden v Portugal
- France v Ukraine