As Group D heads into its final round, France is on the cusp of securing advancement with a mere draw against Austria. Yet, the prospect of topping the group adds a layer of complexity to their ambitions, following a frustrating stalemate with the Netherlands.
France’s track record in the final matches of group stages at major tournaments casts a shadow over their current campaign. For eight consecutive major tournaments, Les Bleus have failed to clinch victory in their last group-stage game. Breaking this streak is crucial if they wish to claim the summit of Group D.
On the other side, Poland finds itself out of contention, their hopes dashed by a series of late-game collapses and an overall underwhelming performance. Striker Robert Lewandowski, typically a beacon of Polish prowess, has seen limited impact this tournament, reflecting the team’s broader struggles. Historically, Poland’s chances against France appear slim, having failed to secure a win in their last eight encounters since 1982.
France’s attacking might took a significant hit with the absence of their star player Kylian Mbappe, who suffered a broken nose in the first round. His absence was felt acutely in the match against the Netherlands, where France struggled to find the back of the net despite an array of quality players on the pitch.
Amid these challenges, attention turns to Antoine Griezmann. The seasoned forward has yet to open his goal-scoring account in this tournament, a surprising dry spell for a player of his caliber. With Mbappe sidelined, the onus is on Griezmann to step up and provide the offensive spark needed to secure a victory and potentially top the group.
