Image Credits: Imago Images
World Cup qualification continues to provide opportunities for depth testing, and France made excellent use of their final Group D fixture against Azerbaijan on Sunday evening.
With their spot in the 2026 tournament already secured following Thursday’s impressive 4-0 dismantling of Ukraine, Didier Deschamps fielded an entirely revamped lineup in Baku.
The standout selection was the appointment of Ibrahima Konate as captain, marking a significant moment for the Liverpool defender as he led the French side for the first time.
Despite this wholesale change in personnel, Les Bleus recovered from an early setback to cruise to victory, finishing top of Group D with 16 points from six matches.
Azerbaijan stunned the visitors with an early goal through Renat Dadashov in the fourth minute, but France responded impressively.
Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized within thirteen minutes, heading in Malo Gusto’s cross for his second international goal in as many starts. Maghnes Akliouche added the second, again assisted by Gusto, before an own goal from goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev completed the rout before halftime.
Hugo Ekitike featured prominently throughout, though his involvement was marked by one disallowed goal due to his handball in the buildup.
Foot Mercato gave Ibrahima Konate a 5/10 and claimed that he did not do enough to justify a starting spot over the likes of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano:
“While he showed that he didn’t really understand his relegation but that he would work to regain his place in the starting line-up for Les Bleus, the Liverpool defender was rather solid.”
“Interesting in the restart and in his inspirations with the ball at his feet, he was sovereign in the duels and did not disappoint in the conquest of the ball in the air.”
“A match to highlight in the face of modest adversity.”
Meanwhile, So Foot suggests that Konate will continue to be part of the “B team”, giving him a 5/10 and wrote:
“He will have to get used to playing with a reshuffled team around him, because Didier Deschamps will need him to be the captain during the hairdressers’ match at the World Cup.”
The Liverpool defender has spoken openly about his contract situation while on international duty, so hopefully once the situation gets resolved he can focus all his efforts for the Reds and France.
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