Find out what our special correspondent liked and disliked after the French team’s victory against Belgium (2-0) on Monday evening during the second day of the Nations League.
Special envoy to Décines
FAVORITES
A real football team
The Blues left us angry on Friday against Italy (1-3), faced with so much arrogance, little effort and behaviour unworthy of a team that claims to be aiming for the top. On Monday evening, despite eight changes in the starting eleven, the French team showed another face. Aggressive, diligent, generous and realistic, if not brilliant, it logically swept aside Belgium (2-0) to find its smile again and remove a certain pressure if there had been a new setback. Yes, the Red Devils were weak, but it is always easier to say afterwards. And Italy was not a lightning bolt of war at the Parc des Princes, but it left its trip to Paris conquering. The mission is accomplished and we will have to review this state of mind in October against Israel and again the Red Devils.
Also readThe Blues’ ratings after France-Belgium: Dembélé bleeding, Koundé strong, Thuram transparent
Manu Koné, the nice surprise
His start to the match was a nightmare. In the second minute, he lost a dangerous ball at the edge of his area, then he received a yellow card 120 seconds later. The rest of the match could have been turned into darkness. Nothing at all. The AS Roma midfielder, silver medalist at the Olympics, finally gained confidence and depth throughout the match. By showing off his volume of play, his aggressiveness, his ability to break the lines with the ball at his feet and with a deep desire to slow down his direct opponents. A really good match for his first start and his second selection. A performance that makes you want to see him again.
CLAW STRIKES
Marcus Thuram, when will the turning point come?
Olivier Giroud has left the international scene, Kylian Mbappé has never been in so much trouble in his history with the French national team, but Marcus Thuram did not take advantage of it on this evening in Lyon. Although he was lined up on the left side of the attack, Lilian’s son did not contribute anything. Far too little for a boy who is a starter at Inter Milan – in another position – and who aims to become the number one striker for the French team. With 26 caps and two goals to his name, it is largely insufficient. He is still waiting for his reference match. The French public too.
Also readNations League: After the Italian lesson, the Blues find their smiles again against Belgium
The whistles towards Didier Deschamps
Before the match, the ceremony requires that the speaker, during a home match of the Blues, warms up the audience when the teams are named. On Monday evening, in a gloomy context, some players were whistled like Bradley Barcola (ex-OL), Kylian Mbappé (ex-PSG), Mattéo Guendouzi (ex-OM), but the attention was focused on Didier Deschamps. For the first time since his arrival at the head of the Blues, the coach was copiously whistled by the spectators of the Groupama Stadium. For a boring Euro? For an annoying communication? For a longevity that… lasts too long? Everyone thinks what they want, but whistling the boss of the Blues, semi-finalist last summer for the fourth time in the last five tournaments (2024, 2022, 2018, 2016), seems out of place.
The sparse stands
Thirty minutes before the kick-off between France and Belgium, several of us regular followers of the Blues looked at each other and wondered about the low attendance. Sparse stands, a nearly empty top floor, closed boxes… An unimaginable spectacle for a Didier Deschamps version of the French team match. It was a little better at kick-off, but far from filling the 59,000 seats at the Groupama Stadium. Besides, usually, the attendance is given at half-time of matches, for Monday evening, we are still waiting… Chance, coincidence, it’s up to you to judge. How can we explain it?
Because the French team was boring to watch during the Euro. Because the defeat against Italy (1-3) on Friday didn’t help. Because Kylian Mbappé’s lunar press conference. Because the meeting was set for Monday evening, which doesn’t encourage families to travel during this back-to-school period. But it also shows the efforts that the Blues must make. Having a full stadium for every match is not at all a done deal. They must make people want to come and see them. Something to think about.
