In the match against Belarus, Didier Deschamps surprised many by choosing Olivier Giroud over Karim Benzema as the striker in the French attack. This decision came amid criticism of Benzema’s goal drought, having not scored for almost 14 matches. The French team needed a victory to strengthen its position in the group. The Blues’ lineup for the match included Lloris, Clichy, Abidal, Koscielny, Jallet, Matuidi, Pogba, Ribéry, Valbuena, Payet, and Giroud.
2014 WORLD CUP: DESCHAMPS LEAVES BENZEMA ON THE BENCH AGAINST BELARUS
