Opponent Watch: Deschamps slams ‘cocky’ France

The Caltex Socceroos weren’t the only team in pre-World Cup friendly action this weekend, with all three of their Group C opponents in Russia featuring in matches.

And Australia’s first opponents at the World Cup France suffered a setback in their preparations against Colombia, who the Caltex Socceroos in London on Wednesday (AEDT).

Find out more details about that clash as well as how Australia’s other two opposition sides in Russia fared in our Opponent Watch.

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FRANCE

France boss Didier Deschamps was scathing of his side’s performance, accusing them of being ‘cocky’ as they threw away a two-goal lead against Colombia in Paris.

The French looked on course for a morale-boosting win as they led 2-0 inside 26 minutes thanks to goals from Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud and Thomas Lemar from Monaco.

But once Luis Muriel pulled one back soon after, France appeared to get nervous as Colombia took control.

Radamel Falcao equalised just after the hour mark before Juan Quintero won it for the South American’s when he slotted home a late penalty.

And Deschamps accused his players of allowing complacency to creep into their performance, admitting they must improve quickly in the build-up to the World Cup.

"We had a lot of trouble. They put in more aggression, and we did not do so at all," Deschamps told TMC.

"We had losses of the ball that put them back on track. This Colombian team has given us a lesson in aggression. They don't let go.

"We showed a level of cockiness at times. It doesn't please me, especially what I saw in the second half. We'll take some time to analyse it.

"We haven't met the demands of the highest level. We have no excuses. It's a game we've lost at home, which is never fun."

France boss Didier Deschamps
France boss Didier Deschamps

PERU

Peru made a big statement heading towards their first World Cup in 36 years, beating highly-fancied Croatia 2-0 in Miami.

The South Americans were too hungry for Croatia, scoring early in each half to hold on for a win, despite being reduced to 10-men late in the contest.

Watford attacker Andre Carrillo opened the scoring inside 11 minutes, capitalising on a defensive mistake to bury the opportunity.

It was 2-0 within minutes of the restart for the second half, with Edison Flores finishing off a superb team move which started well inside Peru’s half.

Peru were impressive in their win over Croatia.
Peru were impressive in their win over Croatia.

DENMARK

The Danes showed they will be no pushover in Russia with a dominant performance against fellow World Cup-bound nation Panama in Brondby.

In a physical - and at times fiery – friendly clash, a second-half goal from classy winger Pione Sisto was enough for Denmark to see-off a 10-man Panama.

Sisto’s winner – when he produced a mazy run and clinical finish from just inside the box – came 20 minutes from time and not long after the visitors had a player sent off.

Panama forward Blas Perez saw red for a dangerous high challenge, with his boot almost coming in contact with the head of Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

It was one of a number of heavy challenges in the match that had plenty of intensity.

“You play a friendly, especially between two teams that will play in the World Cup, and you take it a little bit more easy,” said Denmark coach Age Hareide.

“But I think that’s their [Panama’s] style.”

Sisto gets his shot away for Denmark's winning goal against Panama.
Sisto gets his shot away for Denmark's winning goal against Panama.

Caltex Socceroos v Colombia

WHEN: Wednesday, March 28 - kick-off 6am AEDT

WHERE: Craven Cottage, London, England

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Fox Sports and Network Ten

Get tickets for the match here