France cope with World Cup heat as recovery focused plan pays off | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, more than five weeks into their build-up, France have reached the World Cup quarter-finals in the shape they targeted despite punishing heat. They have not played evening slots or in air-conditioned or roofed arenas, yet have handled the conditions well.

Their Boston base was selected for milder temperatures and they moved in on 10 June, while others, including England, acclimatised earlier in the American heat. Since the tournament began, the long-planned programme has leaned towards recovery.

Only two muscular issues have been logged, Aurélien Tchouaméni’s adductors and Marcus Thuram’s calf, and caution follows every minor warning. Players sometimes skip sessions when the sun is fierce, though Didier Deschamps still demands long shifts on matchdays.

His first change came on 80 minutes against Senegal, a 3-1 win on 16 June, then on 68 against Iraq, a 3-0 win on 23 June, and on 75 against Sweden, a 3-0 win on 30 June. Against Paraguay, a 1-0 victory last Saturday, he used only two substitutes.

The round of 16, played in 40 degrees, took the biggest toll, but staff are content with recovery protocols. Cryotherapy and cold-water tubs are transported to stadiums, and players also use American football facilities.

Sunday was a standard recovery day, then Monday opened with long box-to-box runs before a lighter session. Staff describe a serious group with a strong work atmosphere, and highlight Kylian Mbappé’s example since Clairefontaine, with team-mates eager to follow and work at 100 per cent.

Source: L'Équipe