Didier Deschamps is on the verge of achieving a historic feat by potentially becoming only the second man to manage two World Cup-winning teams.
However, his plans may be hindered by the underutilization of a talented player in Rayan Cherki, who has been relegated to substitute appearances in France's World Cup campaign.
The 22-year-old playmaker had a breakthrough season in the Premier League with Manchester City, impressing under Pep Guardiola after a difficult start following his move from Lyon.
Cherki has made four substitute appearances at the World Cup, but was only given five minutes against Sweden on Tuesday night, sparking an apparent snub of Deschamps after the final whistle.
According to reports, Cherki has become disenchanted with Deschamps, who missed France's last group game against Norway following the death of his mother.
Cherki's representatives claim that his apparent petulant reaction was a reflection of his own disappointment with himself and contribution, rather than a deliberate snub of the manager.
Despite the Cherki conundrum, former England full-back Gary Neville remains confident that France have a side capable of helping Deschamps achieve his historic goal.
Neville praised France's precision and devastation, saying: "That front four that started the game will cause nightmares for every single defender in the tournament."
He added that France are a level above their competitors, and that other teams are looking up to them as a benchmark for success.
The rest of the tournament will be watching to see if France can maintain their momentum and deliver a second World Cup title under Deschamps' leadership.
