Setback for Bayern stars: Olise and Upamecano stumble with France | OneFootball

Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano from FC Bayern could have secured World Cup qualification with France, but they slipped up.

France had to endure a setback in their away game in Iceland – and so did two professionals from FC Bayern. Both Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano were on the field from start to finish with the French national team, but they couldn't prevent the 2-2 draw against the underdog. The early World Cup ticket remains pending for the French.

After a commanding 3-0 win against Azerbaijan, France wanted to take the next step towards the World Cup in Reykjavik. Coach Didier Deschamps made significant rotations, with seven changes in the starting lineup – including Olise and Upamecano joining the team. The newly formed team started dominantly and had early chances, but Iceland held strong defensively and was particularly tenacious in duels.

Despite having much of the possession, France initially struggled to create clear opportunities. Then the host surprised with a set-piece: After a free-kick in front of the penalty area, Victor Palsson nudged the ball over the line for a 1-0 lead (39'). France's response was not long in coming – but Olise's shot was saved by Iceland's keeper Olafsson, and Mateta's follow-up only hit a defender on the goal line (45'+4).

After the break, France pushed for the equalizer. Thauvin narrowly missed with a bicycle kick, then Christopher Nkunku scored the 1-1 with a fine solo effort (63').

Bayern star Olise remains without goal involvement

Just a few minutes later, the former Leipzig player, who was also considered a Bayern candidate in the summer, indirectly turned the game in favor of the visitors with a pass to Mateta: The striker scored in his starting debut to make it 2-1 (68'). But the joy was short-lived – two minutes later, Iceland's substitute Kristian Hlynsson scored a precise finish to make it 2-2 (70').

Photo: IMAGO

Even in the final phase, Olise and Upamecano remained active but could not make any significant impact. While Upamecano was solid but not flawless in defense, Olise repeatedly sought depth in the offense but remained without goal involvement. France threw everything forward in the last minutes but couldn't find the winning goal.

For France, the draw means a missed opportunity to secure the World Cup ticket on this matchday. Meanwhile, Iceland surprisingly collected their fourth point in the qualification. France remains the table leader but must postpone the decision on qualification to November.

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