The French team managed to get back on track against Belgium (2-0) on Monday at the Groupama Stadium, during the 2nd day of the Nations League, giving itself a breath of fresh air in a gloomy period.
Special envoy to Décines
A breath of fresh air. And a real breath of fresh air that feels good. The smiles were easily visible on the faces of the French players on Monday evening after the deserved victory against Belgium (2-0). After the slap suffered against Italy (1-3), the Blues, diligent and serious, without being grandiose, were able to raise their heads and avoid a third defeat in a row. This will have been a first in ten years. This will not be the case. Under pressure after the disappointing Euro in terms of play and the failed return, Didier Deschamps also knew that he was expected and will welcome this success with relish. Not everything was perfect, but it never is at this time of year. The squad review continued, the new players got a taste of the demands of an international evening and France got back into the Nations League. Not bad for an evening that some expected to be explosive.
With eight changes in his starting eleven (Koundé, Upamecano, Digne, Koné, Guendouzi, Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Thuram entered – Clauss, Konaté, Hernandez, Fofana, Olise, Griezmann, Mbappé, Barcola left) compared to those who took the Italian lesson on Friday at the Parc des Princes, the coach remained true to his course. Seeing people, sharing playing time and giving some key players like Mbappé and Griezmann, who have been invisible for weeks in the national team, a breath of fresh air. Is this why the Groupama Stadium rang hollow on Monday evening when it caught a glimpse of the B team? Thirty minutes before kick-off, it felt like a jubilee as the stands were so empty, before it slowly filled up to barely 45,000 spectators in a stadium that can hold 60,000 in total.
Deschamps booed, sparse stands… The Groupama Stadium looked like a cemetery
Sad reality of a French team that no longer seduces as before after the boring Euro and does not make you want to go out on a Monday evening at the start of the school year, even less to pay for tickets, also hearing speeches like that of the usual captain (“What people think is the least of my worries“) that we have known to be more mobilizing and unifying. After the Olympics and French athletes at the rendezvous, the Blues would do well to take note. As a reminder, in this group of 23, there are only five who are world champions (Digne, Areola, Kanté, Mbappé, Griezmann)…
A sign of a gloomy atmosphere in the Rhône, Didier Deschamps was even booed when the team line-ups were announced, a rarity in the memories of a Blues follower over the past twelve years and his taking office. Same situation for Mbappé (ex-PSG), Barcola (ex-OL) or even Guendouzi (ex-OM), criticized by the low attendance. Atmosphere. As for the game – still the most important – if no one expected a great spectacle, the French team tried to offer things, with its completely redesigned attack line (Dembélé-Kolo Muani-Thuram) and a midfield (Kanté-Koné-Guendouzi) not known for its creativity. Be careful, it was not total and exciting football, but with such a turnover, it is difficult to dream of anything else. The Blues were like their opening goal: serious, aggressive and hard-working.
Kolo Muani and Dembélé decisive, the Parisians celebrate
On a shot from Dembélé deflected by Casteels, Kolo Muani concluded strongly, and successfully (1-0, 28th) to score his second goal in his last two matches with the national team, after the Euro semi-final against Spain (1-2). In the second half, Dembélé, not very successful until then, doubled the score by mystifying the Belgian defense with a bag under the bar (2-0, 57th). A logical advantage against a listless Belgian team who were not necessarily more bloody than during their elimination in the 8th finals of the Euro against the Blues (1-0). The rest was only management and control on the part of the teammates of N’Golo Kanté, captain for the evening. Deschamps still rotated (Mbappé, Barcola – copiously booed as a former Lyon player – in place of Kolo Muani and Thuram, 66th) to stay true to his desires of the moment. Mbappé could have increased the score (73rd, 77th, 87th) with a little more luck. Five matches without scoring for the Madrilenian in the French team, an eternity for a player of his caliber (2 goals in his last 10 outings).
After the Italian nightmare, the Blues played as a team
With so many changes in three days, notable absences (Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Rabiot, Hernandez…), a gloomy pre-match atmosphere, after a slap received by Italy on Friday, everything was in place for another nightmarish evening. But these Blues, if not brilliant, knew how to seduce at times and above all behave as a team. Which was what they had lacked at the Parc des Princes. With one victory in two matches, the return goes from a failed to average mention. Not enough to climb the curtain, or to cry with the wolves. A little moderation is good from time to time. See you in October to challenge Israel and meet Belgium again.
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