France defender Dayot Upamecano has outlined how he plans to deal with Erling Haaland ahead of Les Bleus’ decisive World Cup clash against Norway.
The Bayern Munich centre-back is expected to face one of his toughest tests of the tournament when France take on Norway in Boston in a match that will decide top spot in Group I.
Upamecano has been part of a strong France defence so far, helping his side beat Senegal and keep a clean sheet against Iraq, but he now turns his attention to Norway’s main attacking threat.
Haaland has already scored four goals in the competition and heads into the game as the danger man for the Norwegians.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Upamecano said stopping the striker would require constant concentration and smart positioning.
He said: “With Haaland, you always have to keep one eye on him, tracking his position, and one eye on the ball carrier, even if you aren’t outnumbered.”
“When he’s on my blind side and one of his team-mates is overlapping, I know I have to check over my shoulder two or three times to see where he’s going and how he’s positioning himself.
“We all know he’s a player who is incredibly explosive over those first few yards, a bit like Kylian [Mbappe].”
The French defender said Haaland’s speed and sharp movement make him especially dangerous in small moments.
“He only needs a split second to change direction.
“So, you must always keep tabs on him.
“If you can’t anticipate his first touch and prevent him from getting the ball, you have to try to force him wide.
“He’s a player who loves a physical battle, and so do I. But sometimes you have to manage the situation, shepherd him to the flank, and close down his shooting angle.”
Upamecano also said France would need collective discipline, especially during throw-ins and situations where Haaland tries to use his strength with his back to goal.
“On their team’s throw-ins, it’s always better to double-team him.
“The free man in our team, usually the full-back, shouldn’t be too far ahead of him, and I need to stay right behind, close enough, but without tight-marking him completely,” he said.
He admitted that trying to step in front of the Norway striker could be risky because of his power and pace.
“It’s difficult to try and anticipate or step in front of him because he’s so powerful. Against him, it’s always a real battle.
“The most important thing in a duel with him is your initial positioning and body shape, so that you can always see both the ball and him. If he gets away from you, it’s hard to catch him because he’s incredibly fast.”
Upamecano said the contest with Haaland was not only about strength but also about reading his movement early.
“Paradoxically, facing Haaland is more of a battle of movement than a pure physical scrap.
“You have to be ready on every step and watch where he is.
“We all know he won’t touch the ball 50 times.
“He’ll want two or three, but he will play those two or three at 100%, so you have to be at 100% yourself.”
He also warned that France could not focus on Haaland alone, pointing to Alexander Sorloth as another danger in the Norway attack.
“But watch out – Haaland is an incredible player, but don’t forget [Alexander] Sorloth, who I played with at Leipzig. He’s very strong, very fast, and strikes the ball hard,” he added.
France and Norway meet with both teams already in strong form, but Haaland’s scoring run and Upamecano’s plan to stop him are set to be central to the outcome of the Group I showdown.
