French Team Faces Foxborough Traffic in World Cup Preparations
France beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Thursday. The match drew 66,215 spectators less than three months before the World Cup kickoff.
Match summary
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Hugo Ekitiké added a second for France in the 65th minute.
France played shorthanded after the 55th minute but held the lead. Brazil cut the deficit when Bremer converted a 78th-minute free kick.
Tactics and key players
Les Bleus largely controlled play and relied on counterattacks for their goals. Brazil applied a high press, with Vinicius Júnior active on the left wing.
Brazilian supporters filled the stadium in gold jerseys. Many chanted for Neymar, who was omitted from the squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Logistics and World Cup preparations
France arrived late at the stadium, reaching the venue about one hour and 15 minutes before kickoff. Coach Didier Deschamps singled out traffic as the main problem.
Deschamps also expressed concern about high summer temperatures. Les Bleus will base themselves in Boston in June and commute to practice at Babson.
Earlier concerns over entertainment licenses and funding were put aside for the event. The Gillette Stadium playing surface was judged suitable for the match.
Travel headline
The visit underscored French Team Faces Foxborough Traffic in World Cup Preparations as organizers and staff adjust to local conditions.
Coaches and player reactions
Carlo Ancelotti said he would not discuss players who were not selected. He added that his team was competitive and would travel to the World Cup with energy.
Ancelotti also acknowledged France’s quality and cohesion. He said Brazil could compete with the best teams despite the loss.
Mbappé played 65 minutes and addressed concerns about his fitness. He denied reports that an MRI had been misattributed between knees.
Context and history
Brazil have won the World Cup five times. They have not reached the final since 2002.
Brazil have not beaten France in a World Cup match since 1958. The friendly offered a gauge for both sides ahead of the tournament.
Filmogaz.com covered the match and its lead-up for readers following World Cup developments.
