France v Iceland (2-1) – Bradley Barcola, the game-changer for Les Bleus | OneFootball

The French team triumphed over Iceland (2-1) in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The Blues had to fight hard to win, thanks in particular to the impact of their offensive players. Among them, Bradley Barcola was one of the standout elements, both for his game volume and his ability to create danger on the wing. Here's a detailed look at his performance.

Bradley Barcola: A Constant Presence on the Offensive Front

The PSG winger was one of the most active players in the match, finishing with 41 touches, one of the highest volumes among the French attackers. His availability on the flank allowed the Blues to stretch the Icelandic block and create multiple dangerous situations.

Offensively, Barcola stood out with 2 shots, one of which was on target, with a total of 0.89 expected goals (xG). These numbers reflect a real presence in the box and an ability to create clear chances. However, his efficiency was lacking, as he did not find the back of the net despite his promising positions.

Technical Precision and Collective Involvement

Barcola also made an impact with his passing game: 29 successful passes out of 41 attempted (71%), a decent statistic but one that shows room for improvement, especially in the final third. However, his creative contribution is noteworthy: he finished with 2 key passes, making him one of the best creators of the match alongside Kylian Mbappé.

His ability to provoke put the Icelandic defense in difficulty, with 3 successful dribbles on his attempts. While not everything came to fruition, his desire to unsettle the opponent helped maintain pressure on the low defensive block.

Defensive Impact and Generosity in Effort

In line with his role at PSG, Barcola did not just attack: he also contributed to the defensive fallback. With 4 duels won out of 9 and several covering runs, he participated in the collective balance. These efforts are important in a match where France sometimes left spaces in transition.

Comparison and Perspectives

Comparing his performance to his recent outings with PSG, we find a Barcola true to himself: a lot of activity, penetration, but still a lack of realism in front of goal. Where he needs to improve is in his finishing and the precision of his choices in the final thirty meters.

Nevertheless, his performance against Iceland confirms that he is gradually establishing himself as a valuable asset for Didier Deschamps. With his different profile from Dembélé and Coman, Barcola brings speed, verticality, and an ability to repeat efforts. As the next challenges approach, he could become a top-tier offensive joker.

Conclusion

The French victory over Iceland owes much to the offensive activity of its wingers. Bradley Barcola, without being decisive on the scoreboard, showed that he could ignite a match with his runs and initiatives. Still perfectible in efficiency, he remains a credible and refreshing option for the future of the Blues.

Key Stats – Bradley Barcola vs Iceland

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.