DESCHAMPS WARNS FRANCE NOT TO TAKE THE POLAND LIGHTLY

By Rashmi Goel

During Sunday's round of 16 match against Poland, Didier Deschamps warned France not to underestimate Poland. During the tournament's first two decades, Les Bleus have won all five matches that have taken place in the last-16. The holders are strong favorites to defeat the Eagles at Al Thumama Stadium this weekend, which will mark the first knockout World Cup game for the underdogs in 36 years. In their last seven meetings with Poland, France has been undefeated, but Deschamps says his team should not be complacent. He told FFF TV, "It's not a team we're used to meeting with." If there is one name that stands out, it's Lewandowski, one of the greatest strikers in history. But it's not just him, they are well organized and athletic. This team isn't to be underestimated."

In France's final Group D match on Wednesday, Deschamps rang the changes, and the team lost 1-0 to Tunisia. For that loss, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris, Ousmane Dembele, and Antoine Griezmann were all benched. Mbappe, the joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals, remains the biggest threat to Poland, while Giroud is one goal away from becoming the top goal scorer in the history of his country as he currently stands level with Thierry Henry on 51 goals. Argentina defeated the Eagles 2-0 in their last Group C match on Wednesday, but the Eagles still finished second in the group. In two World Cup matches played against the reigning champions, Poland defeated Brazil 1-0 in 1974 and held Germany to a goalless draw four years later. Winners will face either England or Senegal in the quarterfinals.

Two Players To Lookout For In France Vs Poland

France - Antoine Griezmann

As a forward for Atlético Madrid and the French national team, Antoine Griezmann is a French professional footballer. As an attacking midfielder, winger, and striker in his career, Griezmann is renowned for his attacking, passing, and defensive abilities. Griezmann continues to provide exceptional service to the French team on a regular basis. The 11 chances he has created for Les Blues in this tournament are the most of any player in this tournament. It has been reported that Atletico Madrid's forward has created at least 10 chances for France in both this World Cup and Russia 2018. The number of accomplishments he had four years ago has already been surpassed.

Poland - Wojciech Szczesny

A Polish professional footballer, Wojciech Tomasz Szczesny plays for Juventus in Serie A and for the Polish national team. The player began his career at Legia Warsaw before signing for Arsenal in January 2006, where he made his professional debut in 2009. During Poland's trip to Qatar, goalkeeper Szczesny has played a significant role, achieving a save percentage of 90. In the 16 shots on target he faced prior to Alexis Mac Allister's goal for Argentina, he had stopped all but one. With his save of Lionel Messi's penalty in midweek, Szczesny has stopped a spot-kick in each of his past two World Cup appearances. Given France's quality, he may have a busy night.

ANALYSIS

In spite of the shocking results throughout this tournament, France cannot afford to slip up when they attempt to secure a place in the last eight. According to Stats Perform's AI model, the defending champions have an 84.8% chance of making it through, with Poland's chances at only 8.1%.