Coach Deschamps is angry because he is constantly asked about Benzema
* Argentina - France: 10pm Sunday 18/12 on MetaSports.
In recent days, there have been rumors that France will call Benzema back to Qatar to play Argentina. The 34-year-old striker has recovered from his injury and has returned to training with Real since last weekend. In theory, the 2022 Golden Ball can play in the closing match of the 2022 World Cup because he is still on the list of registered with FIFA.
During the press conference in Doha on the evening of December 17, Deschamps denied that France would summon Benzema to return to the 2022 World Cup final. When another French reporter asked more about the possibility of Benzema attending the Lusail stadium today, coach 54-year-old got angry and said: "If you don't answer, you will say I am angry. Benzema is one of the injured players, with the latest case being Lucas Hernandez. Asking questions about these players is difficult. trial".
According to Sky Sports, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimbempe - players who are injured and missed the 2022 World Cup - are expected to be on the flight of French President Emmanuel Macron to Doha to attend the match against Argentina. Christopher Nkunku was also given the green light by the owner club RB Leipzig and is likely to appear on the Lusail field.
Meanwhile, Benzema is said to have turned down the invitation of the French Football Federation (FFF) as well as President Macron. In an Instagram post on December 16, the 34-year-old striker also hinted that he would not go to Qatar to cheer for his teammates. "I'm not interested," he wrote.
Deschamps emphasized that he could not control whether injured players or former players were invited to attend the 2022 World Cup final, and only focused on preparing with the players on the playing list.
"We all know France has a chance to defend its title when it comes to the final tomorrow. Being here is already a huge accomplishment, and the team will do everything in their power to ensure France will be the champion. The team is happier when the final closes on Sunday night," added Deschamps.
On the evening of December 17, Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano recovered from the flu and returned to training, while Kingsley Coman - who was isolated for longer - had to practice separately. Aurelien Tchouameni (hip) and Theo Hernandez (knee) were absent from training on December 16, but returned yesterday.
According to Deschamps, the spread of flu in the team is unpredictable, but the French team is not worried, but just tries to control the situation well. He also said that his colleague Lionel Scaloni had to manage in different circumstances, including reviving Argentina after a reverse defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening leg.
On the way to winning the 2018 World Cup, France overcame Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16. After Antoine Griezmann kicked 11m to open the scoring, Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado helped Argentina lead back. But Benjamin Pavard's masterpiece and Mbappe's double at the beginning of the second half helped France engulf Argentina. The South American representative only removed one more goal thanks to Sergio Aguero in the third minute of compensation.
The French coach said that it is impossible to compare these two matches, because Argentina currently has only seven players from the match in Russia. He appreciated the fact that Argentina changed tactics according to developments, opponents from time to time, and thoroughly analyzed it with the assistant team.
Deschamps admits France will be overwhelmed in the stands at Lusail Stadium today, but does not see this as a disadvantage. "Our opponent is not in the stands, but on the field. We have to focus on that," he emphasized.
If France defeats Argentina, Deschamps will re-establish the record of winning the World Cup twice in a row of the late coach Vittorio Pozzo - who led Italy to two world championships in 1934 and 1938.
