DECRYPTION – Find out what our special correspondents liked and disliked during France-Belgium (1-0) in the eighth finals of the Euro on Monday in Düsseldorf.
Special envoys to Düsseldorf
FAVORITES
The blue safe remains impregnable
We take the same and we start again. As since the beginning of the Euro, the French team shone with its solidity on Monday against Belgium (1-0). An impressive collective force, it must be admitted. No show, no madness, but an impression of power, a rigor and a coldness to… give the “seum” to any opponent. Especially to our Belgian friends of course, knowing that they have often had the opportunity to taste realism in the Deschamps sauce. The fact remains that this French team may not make the crowds dream, but it has everything to give nightmares to the opponents who will stand in its way, starting with Portugal Friday (9 p.m.), in Hamburg, in the quarter-finals. The Blues will live and die by their defense, that is clear and simple, their ability to protect Mike Maignan’s goal. And even if there is a hole in the racket, the latter is still there to save the house. It is strong.
Read alsoThe Blues’ ratings after France-Belgium: Koundé impassable, Griezmann ghostly and Kolo Muani the hero
Jules Koundé superstar
Jules Koundé right back? The symbol of a cruel lack in the French team, incapable of producing very high-level full-backs, especially on the right. Koundé, a central back shifted to the right. In addition, he had to force his nature on Monday, by moving up much more than usual. He answered the call. And how! Voted man of the match, he shone as much by his serenity on the defensive side as his contribution on the offensive side. A complete match from the former Bordeaux player, building on his excellent start to the Euro.You cut Koundé for two years“, jokes Didier Deschamps, very happy to see his choice rewarded. Koundé, a real strong link on Monday and during the Euro. Special mention from the jury for William Saliba, still excellent on the Düsseldorf pitch and who is finding his marks in the hinge.
Read alsoEuro 2024: Griezmann: “Don’t bother with a small score”
Kolo this hero
We had almost lost sight of him. In any case, we imagined him in the cellar of the Blues and certainly not launched against Belgium. Randal Kolo Muani was coming off a nightmare season in Paris. He had only played 17 minutes against Austria and 4 against Poland. However, it was he who was called up by Didier Deschamps to succeed the ghost of Marcus Thuram, in the axis. And this while the former Nantes player had only been subscribed to the right side in recent weeks in Blue. Winning coaching for the coach, Kolo Muani having allowed France to secure its ticket to the quarter-finals. A shot blocked by Jan Vertonghen in the 85th minute. Another own goal, the second since the start of the Euro. But the former Frankfurt player, unfortunate in the final of the 2022 World Cup, regained his status as a rabbit’s foot, a lucky charm, for one match. A Kolo who had the fangs and didn’t ask himself any questions. That changes. And it wins.
CLAW STRIKES
A weak 8th final of the Euro
In the press room after the victory of the Blues, all the journalists, French and Belgian, agreed on one thing: the disappointing spectacle offered by the two nations. Between a Belgium that had material (playing De Bruyne 40 meters from the opposing goal is a crime) but played small, for fear of catching a draft, and a France that does not target (19 shots, 2 on target) and whose offensive animation is sad to see, we did not enjoy ourselves in Düsseldorf on Monday evening. That is an understatement. Unless you like the game of chess… Little intensity, few risks taken by the Red Devils and absent stars.
Euro 2024: Masked Mbappé, Sulking Ronaldo, Devastated Modric… The Most Striking Images of the Group Stage
Mbappé does too little
Where has his speed gone? His deep play? His sharp calls that tormented opposing defenses? Kylian Mbappé, hampered by his mask and his broken nose, does not (yet?) have the legs at the Euro. He asks for the ball at his feet all the time, tries to make a difference when he has it and his game without the ball borders on nothing. As a result, his football is readable and the opposing defense has understood it well. Only one goal, from a penalty, in three matches, is too few for a guy of his caliber. More than the statistics, it is the general impression that leaves something to be desired. When will the real Mbappé return?
Read also“In the next match, we might put three in the back row”: the reactions of the Blues after France-Belgium
Griezmann, Deschamps’ failed tactical move
If Didier Deschamps was pleased with Antoine Griezmann’s match, we wonder if we saw the same match as him. Yes, his vice-captain, lined up as a right winger to nibble the line, was present in terms of state of mind and will to conquer… He still is. For the rest, with the ball at his feet, it was really not resplendent. To be polite. His lack of speed and impact in this position is too great for him to make a difference. He followed the instructions, like a good soldier, but he must not have had any fun. With 3 different positions in 3 matches, substitute against Poland, he says nothing and executes. But Griezmann on the right side, it’s a waste.
