People here still don't understand this France team.
Their purposely solid. Always have a solid, strong, organized backline as far back as the Zidane team.
They work hard and everyone has a role.
They don't like to hold possession, so therefore, unless they are chasing a game, don't go guns blazing when attacking. In fact, they chose to limit the amount of attackers used in any possession to a few pacy fast ones, which means, that even on the counter, they should be relatively solid.
Kounde/Pavard are essentially a third centre back.
Today's game, they weren't as solid as they usually are in midfield. Fofana isn't great. Usually Rabiot and Tchouemeni slow down attacks to a minimum, so in order to break this team down, a lot is needed.
Thankfully, Deschamps finally played Konate and Varane. Theis means France have by far the strongest defensive partnership in the competition added to a solid defensive right back and a good goalkeeper. To beat them, you will either need to completely break them down or a brief moment of magic. However, like the last world cup, they can attack aggressively. When they chose to attack, they are also the most incisive team in the competition. They play very efficient football. People don't like that they chose not to keep possession, but its clearly a solid, resolute style.
Midblock 4231 with a solid centre and creative flanks, linked with a playmaker and target man.
