Sergio Gallardo

Can they win back-to-back World Cups?

Francia

Didier Deschamps’ France weren’t fazed by the ‘holders’ curse’ - the recent spate of World Cup group-stage exits for defending champions. Les Bleus topped Group D.

They beat Australia and Denmark… and though they lost to Tunisia on matchday three, Deschamps sent out a much-weakened side.

In the last 16, France brought Lewandowski and Poland’s hopes to an end, as a magnificent Mbappé scored two and set up another.

In the quarters, they faced England in a tie that could have been the final. Tchouaméni and Giroud’s goals were decisive, as was Kane’s penalty miss.

Giroud has been key in Qatar. Of France’s 13 goals at this World Cup, Mbappé has five and the AC Milan striker, four. They’re a top duo.

Neither was the match winner in the semi-finals against Morocco, though. Theo opened the scoring early, and sub Kolo Muani sealed victory at the death..

On Sunday against Argentina,  France can win back-to-back world titles. They have the best squad,  and are a game away from adding another star to their crest. 

Only two other have so far won consecutive tournaments in the history of the men's World Cup: Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938.

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