Olivier Giroud did not get the fairytale of a second straight World Cup win and was actually brought off in the first half of yesterday’s final.
Didier Deschamps did not like what he saw from his team as they slipped 2-0 behind in the first half of the final against Argentina and Giroud was substituted in the 41st minute of the game. As Calciomercato.com report, it was not due to an injury but rather it was a tactical change by Deschamps to try and change gears.
The substitution also saw Ousmane Dembelé withdrawn at the same time, and it would be fair to say it was not appreciated by the Milan forward who came off visibly annoyed with the coach for the decision not to even wait for the end of the first half.
He slammed a bottle into the turf, clearly upset with how his tournament had ended, and Argentina would go on to win on penalties despite France coming from behind twice.
He should be furious because he was the one along with Dembele chosen to be subbed, but really Deschamps could have subbed all 11 of them.
France didn’t create a chance or have an attempt on goal until the 75th minute. They were awful. And it was Kolo Nuami, the striker that came on for Giroud that started the comeback with his speed and hustle that led to the 1st penalty. No offense to Giroud but that wouldn’t have happened with him on the field.
Giroud does his best work in the penalty box, he isn’t much of use outside and France couldn’t get anywhere near the penalty area.
Justified sub but maybe should have been done at half time out of respect instead in the 40+ minute.