The head coach of France’s soccer team, Didier Deschamps, center, arrives at Lille -Lesquin Airport as they prepare to travel to Brazil for the World Cup soccer tournament, in Lesquin northern France, Monday, June 9, 2014. AP
PORTO ALEGRO, Brazil— The pressure is all on France to beat Honduras in their opening World Cup match on Sunday, and coach Didier Deschamps hopes his relatively inexperienced squad is mature enough to handle the expectation level.
Deschamps points to Spain’s 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands on Friday, and Brazil’s scrappy opener against Croatia the day before, as evidence that nerves can affect favorites in an opening match that often sets the tone for the ensuing games.
France should know.
Four years ago, France drew 0-0 against Uruguay and went out of the group stage without winning a game. Four years before, Les Bleus drew 0-0 against the Swiss and only scraped into the second round with two second-half goals against Togo in their last group game.
RELATED STORIES
Colombia beats Greece 3-0 in Group C opener
Italy’s Buffon strains ankle ahead of England game
Mexico pledge to repay ‘pawn-shop’ Aztec fans