From comeback against Croatia to World Cup semifinals, Deschamps's offensive shift

France's national football team has secured a spot in the World Cup semifinals for the third consecutive tournament, a remarkable achievement matched only by Germany and Brazil in football history. This latest success follows a significant tactical evolution under coach Didier Deschamps.

After a defeat in the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia, Deschamps opted for a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation in the return match. This involved fielding four dedicated attacking players and reducing the number of central midfielders from three to two. This strategic pivot has been credited with propelling 'Les Bleus' back to the World Cup semifinals.

The team's offensive prowess is evident, as they are the tournament's top scorers with 16 goals. This reinvention of Deschamps's strategy has come to the fore, showcasing his ability to adapt and utilize the abundant offensive talent at his disposal. The coach's willingness to deploy four attacking players simultaneously has drawn admiration.

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Regarding the forwards, or rather the attacking players, because perhaps it's better to call them that, this has been going on for over a year. It didn't just appear for the World Cup. The fact that we are organized in a 4-2-3-1, with three plus one, means that these four attacking players have been used for months, for over a year, it seems to me.

Following doubts raised during the Euro 2024, where France reached the semifinals somewhat unconvincingly, Deschamps initially maintained a 4-3-3 formation with three midfielders to support his three forwards. This setup was used even after Antoine Griezmann retired from international duty and before the emergence of new talents like Desiré Doué. The tactical setup saw players like Matteo Guendouzi, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Adrien Rabiot in midfield, with Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, and Kylian Mbappé leading the attack.

However, the need for a comeback against Croatia prompted the shift. Just three days after the first leg, Deschamps fielded Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé in attack. This gamble paid off, as France equalized the tie and advanced on penalties. Guy Stephan, Deschamps's assistant coach, noted that this offensive approach has been developing for over a year, emphasizing the team's organization in a "4-2-3-1, with three plus one" system. He acknowledged that while this can create imbalances, the coaching staff accepts it, highlighting the quality of players capable of both attacking and defending.

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We have quality players and players capable of attacking, but also of defending. Obviously, at some point there can be an imbalance. And sometimes you have to accept it.