France seek World Cup qualification while Paris commemorates terror attacks anniversary

Frances World Cup qualifying match versus Ukraine scheduled for Thursday carries special significance coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the 2015 Paris terrorist incidents.

The assaults occurred on Friday November 13 2015 across Paris and near the Stade de France amid a friendly encounter between Les Bleus and Germany resulting in 130 fatalities.

The majority of victims perished at the Bataclan concert venue where the American group Eagles of Death Metal performed.

However one individual was killed close to the Stade de France in the northern Paris area of Saint Denis following several blasts from suicide bombers who tried to gain access to the stadium.

The venue was filled with spectators including Frances president at the time Francois Hollande among nearly 80000 people watching the clash against Germany the fixture proceeded to its end despite the chaos with France triumphing 2 0.

Ten years later none of the French players from that evening will participate against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes in the city yet head coach Didier Deschamps continues to lead Les Bleus.

Internally I believe it would have been preferable to avoid scheduling the game on November 13 Deschamps confessed during his press conference last week when revealing the team selection.

A moments silence will precede the start to honour those affected by the tragedy and Deschamps noted There is a duty to recall the events yet a football contest must occur as well.

This encounter could prove vital for France in clinching their spot at next years World Cup hosted in North America.

As 2018 champions and 2022 finalists Les Bleus lead the four nation Group D with two fixtures left.

They hold a three point advantage over Ukraine in second position so victory in this match would confirm progression with one game remaining although any stumble keeps them poised to claim first place against Azerbaijan on Sunday.

For Ukraine success is essential to threaten Frances lead otherwise they aim to repel Iceland for second and advance to playoffs.

Experienced midfielder NGolo Kante currently at a Saudi club has returned to the national setup and might earn his first cap in precisely one year.

Tottenham Hotspurs Randal Kolo Muani earned a call up but had to exit due to a fractured jaw.

Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint Germain remains sidelined through injury for France who previously defeated Ukraine 2 0 in their away meeting held in Poland during September.