Find out what pleased and displeased our special correspondents after the French team’s draw against the Netherlands (0-0) Friday evening during the second day of the Euro.
Special envoys to Leipzig
Heart of heart
Solid Blues
This is perhaps not surprising given the starting line-up, but still: the French block, like against Austria (1-0), made a strong impression on Friday against the Netherlands (0 -0). The Tricolores impressed with their power, their tactical discipline, their collective strength. “The blue defense? This is clearly a strong point. It has to be a strong point. But this must not be to the detriment of our offensive animation», Underlined Olivier Giroud after the meeting. With a solid block, the Tricolores can go far, even if it would be better to score goals one day or another… The opponents will have to think twice before trying to break through the “made in Didier Deschamps. And as such, the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni is obviously excellent news. We were wondering about his association with N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot, we saw. Even if it also lacks offensive talent…
Kante, Kante, Kante
Two matches, two recitals, two man of the match titles. Absent two years with the Blues, he made everyone agree in two matches at the Euro. “He’s still running”, even Didier Deschamps, happy with his move, when he is questioned about his 33-year-old background. Friday against the Netherlands, N’Golo Kanté was phenomenal. Recovery, volume of play, harassment of the ball carrier, availability and ability to break the lines with his incessant runs… The 2018 world champion is resplendent and rejuvenated, like Benjamin Button. It may be necessary to let him breathe against Poland as his presence is essential in view of the potential 8e of final. Back and already essential.
Read alsoThe notes of the Blues against the Netherlands: Kanté (again) everywhere, Maignan solid, Griezmann imprecise
A great atmosphere in the stadium… and in town
More than 47,000 spectators, a three-quarters orange stadium, a blue color and a great evening atmosphere for an international match. The noise was felt at the Red Bull Arena before and during the match. Without forgetting the atmosphere in Leipzig over the past 48 hours. Without animosity or clashes, Dutch and French supporters sang, cheered and vibrated from morning to evening. Special mention to the human tide of Oranje who arrived at the stadium, as well as to the 12,000 fans of the French team who gave their voice and did not have to be ashamed of their numerical inferiority in the stands. Football remains a party. When people respect each other.
Claw slashes
To win, you have to score
Against Austria (0-1) on Monday, the Blues harvested. Against the Netherlands on Friday (0-0), the Blues harvested. The common denominator of the slag of the French team. “ Solidity is important but to win matches, you have to score, recalls Deschamps. It’s regret tonight. We have to keep that. » Whether it was Rabiot, Griezmann, Thuram or even Dembélé, they all missed opportunities that would have changed the scenario of the match. And the Dutch could, without a great Maignan and criticized refereeing, have afforded themselves a hold-up in the second half. This French team is solid, powerful and crushes its opponents, that’s for sure. Now you have to be efficient and much more killer. With or without Mbappé.
Dutch fans cross the line
Certainly, the atmosphere was exceptional in the streets of Leipzig and at the Red Bull Arena. The Dutch supporters, however, pulled away in the first period, during a corner taken by Antoine Griezmann on the right. The projectiles fell on the lawn, including bottles. The Frenchman did not seem perturbed, but UEFA will certainly have two or three things to say on this subject in the coming hours or days.
Read alsoEuro 2024: “I’m not at all worried”, slips Giroud after Netherlands – France
Dembélé, that’s twice
Author of a consistent season with PSG, Ousmane Dembélé arrived with a positive dynamic in the French team. This is not the case for all the Blues… Author of an average match in terms of efficiency and success in his undertakings against Austria (1-0), Monday, the Parisian did it again on Friday, in Leipzig, against the Netherlands (0-0). Of course, he makes the effort. But that is not enough. Especially when Kylian Mbappé is missing and Deschamps accumulates defensive midfielders in his starting 11. The French team needed a good, even very good Ousmane Dembélé. That was not the case Friday evening. “Dembouz” will really have to launch his Euro next Tuesday, against Poland. With a double taste of revenge since it will be in Dortmund, where he had a very average match with Paris in C1, only a few weeks ago, in the semi-finals first leg of the Champions League.
