LANDOVER, Maryland – France demonstrated impressive offensive strength and roster versatility in defeating Colombia 3-1 during a friendly match on Sunday, marking their last game before coach Didier Deschamps announces his World Cup team selection.
Desire Doue netted two goals as France dominated the match, with the team using a completely different starting eleven than the squad that defeated Brazil 2-1 just days earlier on Thursday. Despite the roster changes, Les Bleus controlled the game, with Doue’s pair of goals and an additional score from Marcus Thuram securing a convincing win.
Colombia managed to score once through Jaminton Campaz, but the team struggled to keep pace after showing promise early in the match.
France has faced criticism in the past for prioritizing tactical discipline over creative play, but across their two recent preparation matches, they successfully blended entertaining football with tactical effectiveness as they approach the June 11-July 19 World Cup – Deschamps’ final tournament as head coach.
“What we’ve produced over these two games is really interesting. We can’t wait to be in June,” said Rayan Cherki, who appeared well-suited to France’s 4-2-3-1 tactical setup.
Deschamps shared an optimistic view of his team’s performance.
“A very positive sporting assessment against two very strong South American teams,” he said. “We gave a lot of players opportunities… the quality is there.”
Following an energetic opening period, France broke through via Doue, who sent a low shot into the corner of the net in the 29th minute for his debut international goal.
Thuram extended France’s lead five minutes before halftime, directing a powerful header off the crossbar after connecting with a perfectly curved cross delivered by Maghnes Akliouche.
The outcome was essentially decided before the 60-minute mark.
France launched a swift counterattack from midfield, initiated by Akliouche before Cherki set up Thuram on the right flank. Thuram then passed across the goal area for Doue to finish with precision.
Moments before Kylian Mbappe entered as a late substitution, Campaz narrowed Colombia’s deficit with an accurate angled strike.
Both Mbappe and fellow substitute Hugo Ekitike nearly added a fourth goal during an exciting final period.
France will continue their World Cup preparation with a match against Ivory Coast in Nantes on June 4, followed by another contest against a yet-to-be-announced opponent on June 8.
Deschamps plans to reveal his World Cup roster on May 14.
