Didier Deschamps Reveals France’s Squad for 2014 World Cup: Big Decisions and Notable Absentees
The much-anticipated announcement of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil has arrived, with some significant names missing from the final list. As expected, Samir Nasri, who has had a strained relationship with the French coach, has been left out of the team, despite his strong form at Manchester City. Another notable absentee is Eric Abidal, who had a solid season with AS Monaco, but Deschamps has decided not to include the experienced defender in the squad, even as a backup.
The French coach has named a 23-player squad along with 7 reserves, hoping to build a team capable of challenging for the ultimate prize in world football. Here’s the full breakdown:
Goalkeepers:
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Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
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Mickaël Landreau (Lille)
Defenders:
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Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool)
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Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
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Bacary Sagna (Manchester City)
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Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United)
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Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
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Eliaquim Mangala (FC Porto)
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Patrice Evra (Manchester United)
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Lucas Digne (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders:
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Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Paul Pogba (Juventus)
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Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United)
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Clément Grenier (Lyon)
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Rio Mavuba (Lille)
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Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Lyonnais)
Forwards:
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Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
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Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
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Loïc Rémy (Newcastle United)
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Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)
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Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Reserves:
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Rémy Cabella (Montpellier)
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Maxime Gonalons (Lyon)
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Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
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Loïc Perrin (Saint-Étienne)
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Stéphane Ruffier (Saint-Étienne)
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Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
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Benoit Trémoulinas (Sevilla FC)
Deschamps’ selection has already sparked significant debate, particularly around the absence of players like Nasri and Abidal, who had their supporters. The coach’s choices reflect his desire for balance, mixing experienced leaders like Lloris, Evra, and Benzema with young talents such as Pogba, Griezmann, and Varane.
As France prepares for their World Cup campaign, many are wondering whether this squad has what it takes to lift the trophy. France’s performance in recent international tournaments has been inconsistent, but with a mixture of seasoned players and emerging stars, there is potential for Deschamps’ team to make a deep run in the tournament.
With such a blend of talent, France certainly has the capability to challenge for the World Cup, but the road to victory in Brazil will be challenging. The question remains: can France rise to the occasion and claim their second World Cup title, or will they fall short once again?
