PREVIEW: World Cup – Round of 16 – France v Poland

France come into this round of 16 clash as heavy favourites but Poland are well equipped to derail Les Bleus’ title defence. They qualified for the knockout phase with a game to spare after two stylish performances against Australia and Denmark but lost the final group match to Tunisia after resting several key players.

But France often struggle against compact sides who defend deep, such as Poland, but Deschamps has the tools to crack a game wide open at his disposal.

They will be without the current Ballon D’or in Karim Benzema but France will enter the contest with most of their top players having recharged their batteries but patience, more than energy, might be key against Poland.

Having gone through despite a 2-0 loss to Argentina in their final group game, Poland carried through the opening phase by their sturdy defence and the touch of striker Robert Lewandowski.

They have been resolute at the back, having conceded just twice in the tournament. A lot of that is down to the heroics of their keeper Wojcieh Szczesny, who has arguably been their best player so far. He is the only goalkeeper this World Cup to have saved penalty kicks, including one by Lionel Messi.

But for all of Poland’s defensive resolve, they have been far from prolific in front of goal and have scored just twice this World Cup, both goals coming against Saudi Arabia. But Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz bristled at the criticism his side’s conservative approach has received.

Verdict: France (7/20)

Poland also lost their final group game but qualified for the Round of 16 as runners up in Group C with a superior goal difference to Mexico who finished in third in that group. Their last Round of 16 game at a World Cup was in 1986, where they lost 4-0 to Brazil.

With their strongest team set to be picked, expect France to win this game.