In a low-level match, the French team qualified ahead of Belgium (1-0) and will face Portugal in the quarter-finals of the Euro.
Special envoy to Düsseldorf
7:53 p.m. on the pitch at the Düsseldorf Arena. Kylian Mbappé has taken off his mask, the Blues form a single line in front of the 8,000 supporters, Antoine Griezmann falls into the arms of Adrien Rabiot, while Didier Deschamps does not benefit from the communion, already taken up with media obligations. The French team suffered, was not beautiful to watch play, still suffers from its lack of efficiency, but had the courage and strength to eliminate a weak Belgium (1-0) to validate its place in the quarter-finals of the Euro.
Ronaldo’s Portugal will be in Hamburg on Friday against Les Bleus. The adventure continues for the French. And that is probably the most important thing. The whole thing can be improved, the flaws are known to all, the margin for improvement is huge, but France is still alive in this competition. Much more will have to be done to believe in the coronation on July 14. The road is still (very) long for the hard-working vice-world champions, but Deschamps affirms it: “We have to enjoy it, not trivialize it. We are in the quarter-finals, they are going home, these are good habits”.
Also read: Euro 2024: The Marseillaise whistled during France-Belgium by the Belgian public
A first ignoble act
Since Tuesday evening and the rather bland match against Poland (1-1), the Blues who appeared at the press conference – there were not many of them – during the week have not stopped highlighting the group’s ability to react and its state of mind. Because “a new competition” is beginning. Forget the bitter and worrying first round. Make way for answers and a form of clarity. As a result, during the first forty-five minutes in Düsseldorf, the crowd was bored stiff. The reason? A match without flavor, without rhythm and without intensity. A far cry from what we had seen in the first 8th finals.
Also read: The Blues’ ratings after France-Belgium: Koundé impassable, Griezmann ghostly and Kolo Muani the hero
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The “find” Griezmann right winger
With a new playing system in place (4-3-3 with Mbappé on the left and Thuram in the centre), and notably Antoine Griezmann in the role of winger (3rd position in 3 matches at the Euro for the vice-captain) who sticks to the line – incomprehensible given his qualities – Didier Deschamps innovated again on Monday evening. For a despicable first act despite a few chances from Thuram (34th) or Tchouaméni (39th, 45th) against a Belgium that was apathetic and no more attractive (9 shots to 1). Between the Blues playing clearly and waiting for a brilliant move from their captain (not in his legs) and the Red Devils fearful of exposing themselves, the spectacle was painful to watch at this stage of the competition.
Two sick selections
At the beginning of the week, the question arose in Paderborn as to which of the two teams, between France and Belgium, was the sickest… This was confirmed during this round of 16, with teams playing with the handbrake on, tense, not at all liberated and in search of vanished confidence. With minimal risk-taking, for a real game of chess. And deep boredom. Examples? Griezmann totally lost on his right side and not knowing what to do. Thuram missing up front. Mbappé readable without ever demanding the ball in depth. And a (too) academic French midfield. No better among our Belgian neighbours with De Bruyne blunt and long balls easy to decipher on Lukaku. To get your teeth into, an acceleration from Mbappé (54th), a heroic return from Hernandez (60th), a shot (on target) from Lukaku (68th) and De Bruyne (82nd) and saved by a decisive Maignan, others from Saliba (74th) and Mbappé (78th), off target. Not enough to get excited about either…
Also read: Euro 2024: Vertonghen’s own goal sends Les Bleus to the quarter-finals
Kolo Muani, savior of the nation
With only one change on the scoreboard (Kolo Muani for Thuram in the 61st) made by Didier Deschamps, we saw the French and Belgians heading gently towards extra time. The first of these round of 16. But on a set attack, initiated by Hernandez, with the relay of Mbappé, then Griezmann, Koundé and Kanté, the latter found Kolo Muani, who unleashed a shot by going around the veteran Vertonghen who deflected the ball and surprised Casteels (1-0, 85th). Unexpected. On his bench, the coach of the Blues, his fist furious, congratulated the savior Maignan, decisive just before just before on De Bruyne, aware of having missed the correction. On the other side of the field, Kolo Muani, congratulated by his teammates, can appreciate his new costume of savior (5th goal in 20 selections), him the unfortunate hero of a final action in the World Cup final in Qatar still in everyone’s minds. On his. The beauty of football. From pariah to hero, there is only one step… The adventure continues for the French team. It is not always pretty to see, but qualification is there. Tuesday morning, the Belgians would dream of being in our place.
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