On the French side, only Mbappé has scored since the start of the competition… from a penalty.
The Blues are not seducing, the Blues are not scoring but the Blues are in the quarter-finals of the Euro.
Evil tongues will say that Didier Deschamps’ legendary luck struck again this Monday evening in the round of 16 against Belgium (1-0). With the liberating goal scored in the 85th minute of play.
Ruler
The coach has the advantage of having changed his striker. By launching Randal Kolo Muani in place of Marcus Thuram (62nd), “Dédé” had flair. Five minutes from the final whistle, the Parisian inherited the ball in the Belgian penalty area, with his back to goal, marked from close range by Vertonghen. And scored the winning goal… Not quite. The goal was finally “attributed” to the Belgian defender.
Why? The rule is simple. When a shot is on target and deflected by an opponent, the goal is still awarded to the attacker. When the attacker’s shot is off target but is deflected into the goal by the defender, it is an own goal.
As a result, the Blues’ offensive record since the start of the competition has been just as meager: 3 goals scored, including a penalty from Mbappé (against Poland) and two own goals. No matter, the Blues are in the quarter-finals.
