The French Team’s Offensive Quartet Has Learned Valuable Lessons

On Thursday evening at the Parc des Princes, France’s team secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Ukraine 4-0. This clear victory was reassuring, yet it provided valuable lessons, especially in the offensive department. While the team showcased their collective strength and finishing ability, the match served as a testing ground for a scrutinized quartet: Barcola, Mbappé, Cherki, and Olise. After a cautious first half with moments of uncertainty, the second half saw the team demonstrating that offensive efficiency relies on both individual precision and collective coordination.

This match was a significant test for France’s offensive quartet. Rayan Cherki made his return in a number 10 role behind Kylian Mbappé, the captain and offensive leader. Michael Olise, looking to bounce back after disappointing performances in October, sought to prove his worth. On the wings, Bradley Barcola, who has been inconsistent with PSG lately, looked to take advantage of Ousmane Dembélé’s absence and impress coach Deschamps. Each of these four attackers had extra motivation: to perform on the field, demonstrate their value, and gear up for upcoming international challenges.

A Mixed Review Before a True Awakening!

The first half highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the quartet. Olise struggled to make an impact against a compact Ukrainian defense, while Mbappé, receiving little service, found it challenging to break through a dense block. Barcola was active on the left side, often the most aggressive offensively, though he faced limited success. Cherki, mobile and involved with 92 touches, tried to drive the play but was thwarted by disciplined Ukrainian defenders. Each played their role well individually, but the collective synergy still needed improvement, indicating work was necessary for smoother exchanges and effective combinations. “It was a complicated first half, but in the second half, the penalty opened the door for us, forcing them to expose themselves a bit, leading to several goals. The halftime talk? We needed to increase the tempo; their goal was to lull the match without disrespecting us. We got caught in the trap in the first half and played a bit casually, losing some balls carelessly. The aim was to maintain the pace and circulate the ball to create space for shots and finish our actions. We achieved that in the second half, scoring four goals in a half is quite an accomplishment,” explained Kylian Mbappé.

In the second period, the quartet finally unleashed their potential and became productive. Michael Olise found his technical accuracy and became crucial during offensive phases. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot and added a second goal opportunistically after Ekitike’s effort. Even after being substituted for Akliouche, Cherki had already established a dynamic pace and contributed to the penalty converted by the Real Madrid scorer. This second half allowed the quartet to showcase their collective potential, build confidence, and lay the groundwork for the future. “There were players who got playing time, which was important. We have injuries in this camp, likely too many, although it allows me to evaluate other players. However, it prevents repetition as I would have preferred. If everyone is available, it will be tough to make choices. But this opportunity was crucial for all that’s to come, even though I always do it,” noted Didier Deschamps during the press conference. In the end, the review remained mixed due to a timid start, but the final performance was encouraging. There were ups and downs, but importantly, solid foundations to build on before the next international fixtures.