without Kylian Mbappé, the attack is depopulated

Qualification will wait. The French team failed to overcome a solid Dutch team (0-0), which was able to keep its back in the face of numerous French situations. The Blues, winners only with fists, nevertheless had numerous opportunities, 14 against 5 opposite. The 15 shots against 8 were not enough and for good reason, without Kylian Mbappé, preserved after his nose injury, clumsiness was invited into the French feet. The proof is that the Netherlands have scored more times (4 against 3).

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Antoine Griezmann alone embodies this lack of realism. Aligned as a support striker for Marcus Thuram, the captain of the evening first stood out with a nice long shot (4th) before missing the inevitable. First there was this situation where Rabiot preferred to shift it when he could hit less than 10 meters from the goal. Surprised, the Colchonero missed (14th). In the second half, it was Verbruggen who upset her by diverting her tackled recovery (65th). Obviously, that has serious consequences.

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The Blues nevertheless had opportunities

“I have two occasions where it sticks with mereacts the person concerned on beIN Sports. It’s a real shame because that’s what we’re missing in both matches. We have to work on it because defensively and tactically we were good. This goal is missing for the attackers. With peace of mind it will happen.” Griezmann wasn’t helped by his teammates either. Even if he appeared much better than against Austria, Thuram also failed to shake the net. The frame is notably missing on this occasion at a closed angle (28th).

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And what can we say about Ousmane Dembélé who made Ousmane Dembélé. Credited with a 3 by the FM editorial team, the Parisian striker once again disappointed in great ways. Salvation could have come from a distant attempt by Tchouaméni or Kanté. And the entrants, Coman and Giroud, were not sharp enough to change the match either. “The only regret is efficiency” analyzes Didier Deschamps, followed by all his players, starting with the excellent Kanté. “We had a lot of chances but the disappointment was not having scored.” Obviously, the shadow of Kylian Mbappé hovers over this result and this lack of realism.

Deschamps : “The French team would be stronger with Kylian”

“Kylian is one of the best in the world so obviously a player like that is missing. Then there are other players who performed well. We hope to see him back as soon as possible” explains Aurélien Tchouaméni after the meeting. Without their titular captain, the Blues have a seventh game in a row without a win (5 draws and 2 defeats). He risks being left to rest again against Poland for the 3rd group match. “The French team would be stronger with Kylian”admits the coach, who will have to find answers.