At the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan
France as the defending champions
Accidentally collapsed in the group stage
Several World Cups followed
The defending champions stopped in the group stage with frequent upsets
Dubbed the "Curse of Champions" by fans
20 years later
France are once again in the World Cup as defending champions
This time
Can they break the "spell"?
On September 22, in the group stage of the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League, France defeated Austria 2-0. (Xinhua News Agency)
World Cup Group Stage in Qatar
France vs. Denmark, Australia, Tunisia
They were collectively placed in Group D
On paper
It is now ranked fourth in the world
The French team with stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Benzema
Undoubtedly the biggest hit in this group
But the "Gallic rooster" is currently facing hidden dangers
N'Golo Kante and Pogba confirmed to be out due to injury
Matuidi is already far from the first team
The main midfield trio who won the last World Cup
will not be on the field in Qatar
Plus poor performances in the UEFA Nations League so far this year
Let France have a World Cup prospect
A shadow
Denmark's 2-0 win over France in the group stage of the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League season on September 25 shows Denmark's Olsen (left) celebrating a goal during a match. (Xinhua News Agency)
In the same group of opponents
The Danish team, currently ranked 10th in the world, should not be underestimated
They were in the European qualifiers for the World Cup
Stand out with an excellent record of 9 wins and 1 loss
Defensive performance of conceding only 3 goals in 10 games
Impressive
Although the "star flavor" on the lineup is slightly insufficient
But the age structure of this team is reasonable
Be disciplined
They are regarded by the outside world as "dark horse" candidates
May surprise us
Australia's 2-1 win over the UAE in the Asian play-off of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on June 7 shows the Australian starters at the entrance ceremony before the match. (Xinhua News Agency)
furthermore
Tunisia and Australia
Can you be a spoiler
It is another highlight of Group D
The Tunisian team has a number of strong players from Europe
The Australian team is known for its physical confrontation and wholeness
Expect them to play in the World Cup
November 22
Group D first match
Denmark vs Tunisia
It will be held at the Education City Stadium
This stadium is located near the university city of Doha
Built and opened in 2020
Hosted the 2020 Club World Cup in Qatar
During the World Cup
It can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators
From the outside
Design of the Education City Stadium
It blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern elements
A diamond pattern composed of numerous triangles
It changes color depending on the angle of sunlight
Known as the "diamond of the desert"
Education City Stadium (issued by Xinhua News Agency)
Geometric patterns on these facades
It not only supports the frame structure of the stadium
It also acts as a "hole"
Allow air to circulate to regulate the pitch temperature
It's night
The walls of the façade will be lit up with colorful lights
Brilliant and eye-catching
It is understood
Education City Stadium
It is the host stadium of this World Cup
The first to receive a global sustainability assessment system
Five Star Design and Build Rated Course
It utilizes intelligent building systems
Manage and monitor the real-time consumption of water and energy
So as to achieve the purpose of energy saving and emission reduction
Such a stadium that combines technology and beauty
Will be in the near future
Become the focus of fans around the world
Let's wait and see!
Reporter: Liu Yangtao
Editors: Ji Jiadong, Zhao Jiantong, Zhou Xin