Come si ferma questa Francia, una delle nazionali più forti di sempre? La speranza (degli altri) è un limite culturale: la tendenza a specchiarsi nella loro grandeur

The French national team has been one of the most dominant forces in this year’s FIFA World Cup, drawing admiration and scrutiny as they navigate their path toward the final stages of the tournament. Known for its rich footballing heritage and a roster brimming with world-class talent, France has lived up to expectations since the start of the competition. Their performance so far has been marked by a blend of technical brilliance, tactical discipline, and an almost effortless ability to control matches. This includes a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, where Kylian Mbappé was substituted late in the game—though had the scoreline been even more emphatic, such as 6-0, it would have sparked little controversy. The image of coach Didier Deschamps bowing to Mbappé after his substitution became an iconic moment of the tournament, symbolizing both respect for the player’s contributions and the collective strength of the team.

France’s squad features a deep pool of attacking talents, including players like Alexis Olise, who has already recorded five assists, as well as others like Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Thuram, Mateta, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Koné, Hernandez, Cherki, Maignan, Koundé, and Zaire-Emery. These players collectively form a unit that many experts consider among the best in history. The *Équipe* newspaper described them as having "altissimo potenziale," which translates to "high potential" but also implies that their capabilities are being fully realized on the field. With Mbappé leading the charge, France has become the favorite to win the tournament, a status reinforced by their strong performances against teams like Sweden and Germany.

Despite these successes, there are underlying concerns about the cultural dynamics within the team. While France is often seen as a melting pot of diverse influences, some analysts suggest that the team might inherit certain characteristics from its historical roots, such as a tendency towards self-assurance or even arrogance. This notion of "grandeur"—a term used to describe the sense of superiority or pride that can accompany French identity—is viewed as a subtle challenge to the team’s cohesion and focus. However, these traits appear to be present in minimal quantities compared to past iterations of the national side.

As the French team prepares for the quarterfinals, they face a formidable opponent in Paraguay. Unlike previous matches, where teams seemed content to concede, Paraguay under coach Gustavo Alfaro presents a different challenge. Known for their tactical discipline and aggressive style of play, Paraguay is driven by a desire to overcome social barriers and achieve upward mobility. Their approach is likely to be more combative, employing direct attacks and physicality rather than relying solely on finesse. This contrast in playing styles could lead to a tense and physically demanding encounter.

The French team has demonstrated resilience over the years, having won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and reaching the final in the 2022 edition in Qatar. Despite losing to Portugal in the 2016 European Championship final, the current iteration of the team appears stronger and more cohesive than ever before. Coach Deschamps has successfully fostered a sense of unity within the squad, emphasizing the importance of collective strength over individual flair. His leadership has been further bolstered by the emotional support he received following a brief trip back to France to say goodbye to his late mother, highlighting the personal connections that bind the team together.

Meanwhile, Morocco has made headlines by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Canada 3-0 in Houston. Key goals came from Azzedine Ounahi, whose brace in the second half proved decisive, and Zakaria Rahimi, who sealed the result in stoppage time. This victory marks Morocco as the first nation to reach the quarterfinal stage, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the two teams. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how France fares against Paraguay, with the outcome potentially shaping the narrative of this World Cup.