Delay in lighting but another deserved win. After a failed start, the French team, largely overhauled, recovered well to record a fifth success in six games in Azerbaijan (1-3) this Sunday during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Guillaume Warmuz, former RC Lens goalkeeper (1992-2003), believes the Blues can aim high next July.
How did you find this very new French team against Azerbaijan?
GUILLAUME WARMUZ. Making so many changes is never easy due to lack of automation. Finally, I found it interesting that Tricolor started with a gap by conceding the opening goal against an opponent who pushed and shook them. The Blues were able to react immediately by having a good first half with several goals saved. Then they succeeded in the second half.
Did any player score points?
Yes, there are some that I think are quite good like Malo Gusto. He was caught behind early on in the opening scoring, but behind him, he had an excellent match thanks to his crossing skills to equalize and leaning to the right in the first half. This is where almost all the danger comes from. Mateta scored again, which was good. Akliouche was also very decisive. Thuram also had a good match. Overall, I found the team to be solid and determined.
Will Didier Deschamps have trouble putting together his roster?
Clear! We assume that the starting eleven are not there, plus all the injured players such as Dembele or Doué. The choice will be difficult. Especially when attacking. But it’s better to be in this situation with a large number of great offensive players than to have limited options on offense. This is great for the French team!
For his first selection, was Lucas Chevalier a bit short of Azerbaijan’s opener?
No, to be honest, there wasn’t much he could do. Azerbaijan played well behind Malo Gusto. Especially Lucas Hernandez who lost his duel. After the soles of the feet at a distance of 5 m are out of reach. If the ball passes close or under, we can discuss, but there, the ball is completely out of reach.
Is conceding a goal due to the opponent’s only real action in the match frustrating?
It was unpleasant and frustrating to start with conceding a goal after four minutes against Azerbaijan. He had to deal with 2-3 small balls at his feet, as well as a few bullet catches that could have given him a fever, but that didn’t happen. He remained silent. Chevalier will gain experience. Don’t forget that he is a young goalkeeper who has just arrived at PSG. This first robe will liberate him and make him more confident.
Can France become world champions next year?
Very ! Currently, the team playing the best is Spain. After that, France didn’t need to envy England, Germany or Argentina who also won the world title. If the players play at their level in seven months, there is a way to do something big in the United States. I really like the Blues’ mindset over the last two games. We feel something positive coming from this team.
