Author of a complicated match during the round of 16 won by France against Belgium at the Euro (1-0), Antoine Griezmann savored the qualification of the Blues and sharply rejected the criticism of their game.
Having fallen into the death table, the Blues are still alive in this Euro 2024 played in Germany. Winners of Belgium (1-0) this Monday at the end of a suspenseful match, the French have not yet lifted all the doubts during this eighth. And in particular on their offensive performance still average despite the qualification for the quarter-finals. But the essential is there, as Antoine Griezmann clearly explained after the match.
“A small score? Don’t bother with a small score or anything, we’re in the quarter-finals,” the French vice-captain replied very clearly to beIN Sports. “Great defensive match from the team. Without a great defense, you can’t go far.”
>> Relive France-Belgium (1-0)
Griezmann did not sacrifice himself with his new position
Lined up on the right wing of the Blues’ 4-3-3, Antoine Griezmann did not shine but still made efforts to try to make the difference. In a match marked by many attempts but only one on target on the French side, Didier Deschamps’ protégés did the job without convincing and well helped by Jan Vertonghen’s own goal on an off-target shot from Randal Kolo Muani.
“It was still a new system for us, we have to get used to it,” Antoine Griezmann said. “My positioning on the wing? I learned it this morning. I am at the service of the coach and the team, we adapt. A sacrifice? No, it will be badly taken. The coach told me to play here, I play here. No matter where I play, I will give it my all.”
And to conclude: “He knows where I like to play, but I will always give everything for the team, for this coach. He has confidence in me and I try to give it back to him.”
