Can the reigning Olympic champions really leave the tournament in the group stages? In a bad way at the start of the competition, losing to Denmark and then to Norway, the French made up for it in extremis against Egypt, scraping together a draw and then winning against a weak Argentina team.
Defeat forbidden. While a draw may be enough for the reigning Olympic champions to qualify, a defeat would mean elimination. Indeed, Hungary, fifth in the group, is only one point behind and would move ahead with the benefit of the two points awarded for each victory. Having only won against Argentina, last in the group, Hungary should not pose a problem for Les Bleus, but caution is advised.
Win to gain confidence. As has been said, victory is not a must for the French. However, Nikola Karabatic’s teammates would have every interest in winning, and in style if possible. Despite good preparation, the initial defeats have dealt a blow to the morale of the Blues and finishing the group stage with two victories would not be a luxury.
Fix offensive issues. In 17 games in 2024 before the Olympics, the Tricolores have scored 30 goals or more on 16 occasions, in both victories and defeats. Since the start of the Paris Games, in four games, they have never reached this total. At best, they have scored 29 times, in the heavy defeat against the Danes. To explain this offensive struggle, there are many reasons: loss of the ball in abundance, poor shooting success, leaders inside and a game restricted by the gaps on the wings. Problems that the Blues must correct starting this Sunday.