FRANCE will be determined to get one step closer to retaining their title when they face Poland in a World Cup last-16 encounter – and it will all unravel TODAY.
The 2018 winners look to take another step to becoming only the third nation to retain the World Cup.
Les Blues clinched their spot in the knockout phases as early as the second game with their 100 per cent winning record.
However a much changed line-up against stragglers Tunisia saw a loss of momentum with Didier Deschamps side upset 1-0 by the African team.
France are still nailed on favourites to progress against a Poland side who only got to knockout stage based on goal difference.
Furthermore, the Eagles haven’t got one over the French since an international friendly back in 1982.
How did they get there?
A 4-1 annihilation of Australia started France in good stead as they carried their form on to their second game with Denmark who, despite putting up more of a fight, still came out second best, gifting France qualification after two games.
It was the unlikely roadblock of Tunisia who halted the French team after a contentious VAR decision saw Antoine Griezmann’s equaliser ruled out.
Poland squeezed through their group by the skin of their teeth on goal difference after amounting four points through a 0-0 draw with Mexico as well as a 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia.
Their final game of the Group C had them lose to table toppers Argentina, clinging on to second place by a single goal.
Team news
France are still without Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez who was taken off thirteen minutes into the opener with Australia after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema will also not be available for selection after suffering a thigh injury in training before the competition kicked off.
Deschamps has a fully fit squad otherwise but will make significant changes after resting many crucial player such as Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe.
Poland have all players available for selection and are expected to make minimal changes to the squad other than a potential reintroduction to Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik.
Who will be the star men?
The poster boy of French football, Kylian Mbappe, will look to reinvigorate the French side as he remains in the mix for the golden boot.
Young midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni could also play a huge part in the game as they look to introduce themselves on to the international stage.
After finally scoring his first World Cup goal, Robert Lewandowski looks to add onto his tally in hopes for an upset against the reigning champions.
Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny has also impressed duing the tournament, making many vital saves in every match.
What’s the head to head?
The two sides have come together on 16 occasions with France having the better of it with eight wins including in their last meeting, ending 1-0 in 2011.
Poland have had some success against France however, winning five of the encounters, with three ending in draws.
SunSport Prediction
France 1 Poland 0
When is France vs Poland?
- France’s mouth-watering last-16 tie against Poland will take TODAY – Sunday, December 4.
- The World Cup match is scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time.
- Al Thumama Stadium is the allocated arena for this contest and it can host approximately 44,400 spectators.
- Tomasz Jodlowiec’s own goal saw France scrape a 1-0 win over Poland in an friendly when they last played in June 2011.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- France vs Poland will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Viewers also have the option to stream the game live via the BBC iPlayer app or through the BBC Sport website.
Can I watch it for free?
YES! Fans in the UK can watch France’s match against Poland for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.
What are the odds?
After 90 mins:
- France 3/10
- Draw 4/1
- Poland 11/1
To qualify:
- France 1/14
- Poland 7/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
