The buzz around Didier Deschamps’ team selection has never been louder. As the French coach stepped up to the podium, flanked by Marie Portolano and Nathalie Ianetta, whispers turned into a roar of speculation. Could the unthinkable be on the cards? The air was thick with anticipation: Karim Benzema, sidelined from the Blues for over half a decade amidst the notorious sextape scandal, might just be poised for a sensational return to the French squad, just in time for the Euros.
Over 7 million fans tuned in as Didier Deschamps announced the 26 players chosen for the French national team. Among them was the standout former Lyon star, now shining at Real Madrid. The 1998 World Cup winner, Deschamps, revealed that his decision had been long in the making, likely cemented after a pivotal meeting. He hinted at a significant encounter, a lengthy one-on-one discussion, which paved the way for reconciliation. This crucial meeting, initiated by Deschamps himself, helped resolve a longstanding feud sparked by the Madrid star’s explosive remarks in a Marca interview, where he suggested Deschamps had succumbed to a racist segment of France.
Karim Benzema’s comeback was bound to stir emotions. Some speculated it was influenced by President Emmanuel Macron, while others were confident that Didier Deschamps had thoroughly gauged the mood of the French team’s leaders like Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and Olivier Giroud. Giroud, in particular, wasn’t too keen on Benzema’s return, given their previous clashes in the team and Benzema’s harsh words about him in the past.
“The star player from Real Madrid made sure there were no hard feelings. ‘Olive and I had a good chat during the Chelsea game. He even praised my goal,’ he shared. They had played together before, and he was looking forward to teaming up again. However, things didn’t go as planned for Benzema. His return pushed Olivier Giroud to a lesser role, even though Giroud had been a key player. Despite the team’s early exit from the Euros, Giroud had been France’s leading scorer with four goals, showing his worth alongside Paul Pogba.
But Benzema’s moment was still to come. Playing in autumn, he cemented his place in the team with Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. His standout performance in the Nations League, scoring twice against Belgium and then against Spain, led to his first major win with the national team. He was on his way to the World Cup in Qatar, but then he faced a setback with a thigh injury.”
FAQ
Q: What caused a stir around Didier Deschamps’ team selection?
A: The anticipation of Karim Benzema’s potential return to the French national team after being sidelined for over five years created a significant buzz.
Q: How many people watched the announcement of the French national team?
A: Over 7 million fans tuned in to watch Didier Deschamps announce the 26 players chosen for the team.
Q: Who was the standout player included in the French squad?
A: The former Lyon star, now excelling at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema, was a notable inclusion in the squad.
Q: Did Didier Deschamps have a pivotal meeting before the selection?
A: Yes, Deschamps hinted at a significant one-on-one discussion that likely contributed to his decision-making process.
Q: Was there any controversy surrounding Benzema’s return?
A: Yes, Benzema’s return was controversial, with some speculating political influence and others noting the mixed feelings among team leaders and players like Olivier Giroud.
Q: How did Benzema and Giroud interact after his return?
A: Benzema reported a positive interaction with Giroud, indicating no hard feelings and looking forward to playing together again.
Q: Did Benzema’s return affect Giroud’s role in the team?
A: Yes, Benzema’s return relegated Giroud to a lesser role, despite Giroud’s previous contributions as a leading scorer.
Q: What were Benzema’s achievements following his return?
A: Benzema confirmed his new status with impressive performances in the Nations League, scoring key goals and leading to his first major win with the national team.
Q: Did Benzema face any setbacks after his return?
A: Yes, despite his successful comeback, Benzema encountered a thigh injury that posed a challenge on his path to the World Cup in Qatar.
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