Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema

Who is France’s first-choice penalty taker at the World Cup?

October 24, 2022 Sports 4 Views

Ahead of last summer’s Euros, Didier Deschamps confirmed to the media that Antoine Griezmann was France’s first-choice penalty taker.

The France manager hasn’t confirmed who will be taking their spot kicks at World Cup 2022, but it is likely that one of Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe or Karim Benzema will assume that role in Qatar.

Griezmann has performed well in the role previously, converting three times as France won the 2018 World Cup, including in the final against Croatia (opens in new tab). But he then missed three out of his next four, casting doubt on his credentials heading into the tournament.

Although Deschamps reaffirmed his faith in Griezmann, when France (opens in new tab) were awarded a penalty in their final group game against Portugal (opens in new tab), it was Karim Benzema who stepped up instead. The recalled Real Madrid (opens in new tab) striker took responsibility and sent Rui Patricio the wrong way to register his first international goal for six years.

After an entertaining 3-3 draw with Switzerland (opens in new tab) in the first knockout round, a penalty shoot-out was required to decide the winner. Out of 10 spot-kicks only one was missed – Kylian Mbappe making the decisive error that sent France home early.

Despite his tender years, the explosive Paris Saint-Germain star has already taken 25 penalties in his career, missing five. He’s been successful with two for his country since that high-profile failure against Switzerland but the identity of Deschamps’ preferred penalty taker remains unclear.

While Olivier Giroud has always been successful from the spot for France, and remains part of the squad, he is likely to be making an impact off the bench rather than starting games.

He played an important, if often underappreciated, role in their triumph in Russia four years ago and is just three goals behind Thierry Henry’s record total of 51.

France are heading to Qatar with the hope of retaining their crown as world champions and becoming the first side to win two in a row since Brazil (opens in new tab) in 1962. A favourable draw sees them face Australia (opens in new tab), Denmark (opens in new tab) and Tunisia (opens in new tab) in the group stage.