A match that showed all the structural limitations of Oranje and Bleus.
It had to be one of the most beautiful and intense matches of the group stage of Euro 2024 and instead Netherlands-France proves to be yet another opportunity for the two teams to confirm all the doubts and uncertainties surrounding their expeditions to Germany. But if France continues to worry about the chronic lack of a tactical structure able to put its champions in a position to do well, Koeman’s team can afford to look at the glass half full: tonight’s point the qualification is practically worth it to the round of 16. Having achieved it against the great favorite of the competition can only be a good boost of confidence.
The first half begins giving the illusion of a match destined to be lively and unpredictable, but the dazzle doesn’t last long. Time for Griezmann to waste an incredible double opportunity favored by Rabiot and Thuram and for Maignan to put all his reactivity on full display against Gakpo’s dangerous shot. More generally, during the first half of the game, both national teams didn’t seem to have anything in mind a real tactical strategy: the Dutch rely mostly to Depay’s intermittent verve while the French to Griezmann’s stitching and embroidery as well as to the plays of a Thuram in great shape.
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In the second half the score does not change except for the inertia of the match which passes almost irreversibly in favor of France. I Blues they consistently seek width and outlet on the flanks but manage to be truly dangerous when the speed of ball circulation increases, allowing them to blow up the Dutch defenses thanks to quick touches in the strait. However, the inaccuracy in the conclusions of Rabiot but above all of Griezmann makes even the good plays of the French wingers useless while the late choice to send Giroudthe only one capable of competing on high balls with the defensive giants Orange, prevents the French from trying to force their hand thanks to crosses from the wingers. Paradoxically the only real emotion of the second half comes from the goal, then cancelled, of Xavi Simons: Dumfries’ offside saves the French at least the shame of a mockery not too undeserved.
In its aurea mediocrtitas the Netherlands manage to resist the French assaults and gain a fundamental point in terms of ranking and morale. All in all that’s fine: Koeman’s team never really gave the impression of being able to achieve something more than a simple draw except in a cyclical manner as was happening with Simons’ disallowed goal. The Orange they are a team at the top of their game, one “great provincial” of European football for national teams that are missing at least 2/3 elements for the construction of an organic team, first of all from a tactical point of view and a coach capable of imposing a real turning point to an increasingly depressing context. This evening, however, the foundations were laid for the continuation of the tournament and this was by no means a given.
France was called to an important test of maturity given the absence of Mbappé and the difficulties that emerged tangibly in the match against Austria. We can calmly say that we will have to wait for the third test (or the oral exam of the direct elimination phase) to understand if this France really has the desire and ability to eat this European Championship, as it should potentially be, or if it is only one beautiful who doesn’t dance. Tonight’s match is the manifesto of the problems of a team that he fails to exploit his boundless offensive potential due to the lack of a credible tactical plan, which goes beyond relying on the qualities of individuals, their extemporaneous plays and Griezmann’s skill to get something out of it in terms of gameplay. France is a paradoxically sterile and inappetizing team. Among the positive notes for the cousins from beyond the Alps is the good performance of Marcus Thuram: net of a few too many errors, the France striker appears to be in better shape both physically and mentally, the only one capable of not making a disfigurement in the presence of one Mbappé awaited by Deschamps’ team like Goku by his friends in DragonBall at the end of the Frieza saga.
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2024-06-21 21:39:43
#Paesi #BassiFrance #golden
