France vs Albania - preview

                                VS

- Latest events

FRANCE

·         It was hard but, thanks to Payet, France was able to get the win they needed in the first match of the Euro  

·         There were some problems though, as the chance creation wasn’t brilliant, the midfielders couldn’t control their area and the game was at risk.   

·         They will face very similar opposition in Albania, so France has the advantage of what to correct and how to do it.   

ALBANIA

·         Their first match ever in a big competition ended with mixed feelings.    

·         They lost the game, they lost Lorik Cana for the game against France, but they were absolutely brilliant in the second half, fighting with everything they had and almost getting the draw they so looked for.

·         They need to get something from this match and, though it’s unlikely they achieve it, they won’t give up until it ends.   

- Areas to follow

FRANCE

·         Defense

Koscielny and Rami had an insecure game, not always dealing well with Andone, and it’s something they will need to continue to work on. Evra was rather poor, conceding an unnecessary penalty, and unable to follow Popa’s movements. A shaky start for France’s back line.

·         Midfield

One of the biggest issues France had against Romania, was the space covered by Matuidi, Kanté and Pogba. With Matuidi mainly to the left, Kanté covering behind Pogba, if the opponents moves thorough the French right side they will on space. Pogba wasn’t brilliant and Payet ended up being the playmaker and creating the doubt of where he should start the games.

·         Attack

 Griezmann had more chances than Giroud, but it was Arsenal’s player the first goalscorer in the competition. But Giroud had little ball, couldn’t really get involved or create noteworthy chances. Griezmann missed a couple of good opportunities, but it showed promise for latter stages.  

             

ALBANIA

·            Defense

    Without Lorik Cana, they will face powerhouse France leaderless, but ready to show they deserve to be here. They were only beaten by an early goal and they were able to hold the rest of the Swiss attack, but Deschamps’ team will be more prolific.

·             Midfield

    They will have to run a lot after Pogba, Matuidi and Kanté, and cannot give up, if their team has any hope to get anything from the game. It’s going to be hard, and they will be in need to rest after such intense 90 minutes, but if they keep going, they can get rewarded.

·             Attack

Both Sadiku and Çikalleshi missed chances that could have been the equalizer in the first match, and they both know that if they get something similar, they will have to take it better. No pressure, boys!

- FIL’S VERDICT

 France is the favorite and France needs to prove it, as the game against Romania left more questions than answers, and they will want to face Switzerland ahead of their rivals. Albania will fight a lot, will try their best, but without their voice of command, it will be even more difficult.

 The trio of Matuidi-Kanté-Pogba needs to do something different, as a lot of the problems Deschamps’ team had was created by their underwhelming exhibition. To their advantage is the lack of technical quality from the Albanian players, when pressured they can’t get hold of the ball, and that will show.

 If Koscielny-Rami get themselves together, then it really should be a walkover for the French, but expect a lot of fight in their rivals.

  

FIL’S PREDICTION

FRANCE 2-0 ALBANIA