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Hard-Fought Win vs. Nigeria Emphasises Mamadou Sakho’s Key Role for France
Published: July 1, 2014
Didier Deschamps’ back four of Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane, Laurent Koscielny and Patrice Evra ultimately kept out the Super Eagles’ attack that was spearheaded by the impressive Emmanuel Emenike, but there were times when Les Bleus looked far from assured defensively. The absence of vice-captain Mamadou Sakho, through injury, was sorely felt in Brasilia.
12 - #FRA have not conceded a goal in the first half in their last 12 games. Defence.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 30, 2014 It is testament to the Liverpool man’s importance to this current French side that the only time they have conceded in Brazil so far is when he was off the pitch against Switzerland—having been substituted through injury—and his teammates came close to shipping another goal or two against Stephen Keshi’s purposeful attack.
However, Sakho’s absence against Nigeria also means that his participation against Germany in Friday’s quarter-final is now also in doubt.
On paper, Deschamps bringing Koscielny in to fill the void created by Sakho should not have been that great a problem. On face value, the score also suggests that the Arsenal man had little problem in slotting into France’s back four.
The reality though is that Les Tricolores’ defence is not the same without the man mountain Sakho there to provide the reassuring presence that he brings to the side.
Koscielny of course is not entirely culpable for the shaky defensive display—although he did play a part in one of the two goals conceded against the Swiss after coming on to replace Sakho—but the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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