France vs. Scotland International Friendly 2016 Preview, Schedule, Streaming Info As Antoine Griezmann Returns For Les Bleues
France looks to continue its march to the Euro 2016 as it takes on Scotland on Sunday.
The French looked solid in their recent win over Cameroon, a 3-2 friendly that featured strong offensive prowess and some suspect defending. France's veteran defenders remain the team's Achilles Heel, but most expect the offense to overshadow this complaint.
Antoine Griezmann is expected to make a return to the lineup. The Atletico Madrid star is seen as the team's top star and the one expected to carry the team back to glory. France has not won a major tournament since 2000 when it hoisted the Euro trophy at home as well.
The 25-year-old Griezmann is coming off a 32-goal season in Spain, his best to date as he led Atletico to the Champions League final. However in that game he had a rough outing, getting shut down for most of the evening and then hitting the crossbar on a penalty shot early in the second half.
He has scored just seven international goals for France in 26 games, but has yet to score in a major tournament for his national team. He will look to change that in the Euro.
History favors Scotland
These two sides have never tied a game. Moreover, Scotland has won eight of the 15 games contested between the two teams, a shocking figure considering France's dominance as a soccer power in recent decades. Scotland has actually won the two most recent games, both Euro Cup qualifiers in 2006 and 2007. France does better in international friendlies, winning the last four such games against Scotland and holding a record of five wins and five losses against Scotland in friendlies.
Player to Watch
How does Griezmann respond to losing the Champions League final? The French forward will play his first game since that tough game last weekend and is expected to have a huge performance for France at the tournament this summer. This should be his first look at how he works with his fellow countrymen.
Prediction
France wins 3-0.
Schedule and Streaming Info
The game starts at 3 p.m. EDT. It can be viewed on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and streamed on ESPN3.
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