It was in front of almost empty stands that the Blues faced the Israelis this Thursday evening at the Stade de France. Only 12,000 spectators were present in a stadium with a maximum capacity of 80,000 people. Security was reinforced after last week’s events in Amsterdam, 4,000 police officers were dispatched to the site with 1,600 security guards in the stadium.
On the pitch, the French monopolized the ball at the start of the game, but the Israeli block held on. The visitors let the Blues play on their part of the field and tried to break through the defense on counter-attacks. The Israeli goalkeeper Peretz had to intervene for the first time after 19 minutes when Camavinga sent the ball in a bell towards the penalty spot where the head of First Class. Kanté tried again two minutes later with a ground strike but Peretz was still on the lookout. The fact that the goalkeeper was the most named player among the Israelis did not bode well.
Around the half hour mark, Stagger put on a show with dribbles in the area, but the French were unable to create any real dangers. The Blues even came close to tragedy in the 36th minute. Camavinga committed a foul against Jehezkel and received yellow. On the ensuing free kick, Shlomo narrowly missed the opening goal for the visitors. The men of Deschamps were warned, but did not respond frankly. The lack of a creative offensive player was felt. The Blues tried one last brilliance before half-time. Two shots on target during the same action from Kolo Muani andOlise have still not got the better of the Israeli goalkeeper. 0-0 after three quarters of an hour.
The second half began with the very first shot on target of the game for the men of Shimon. But the French quickly regained the upper hand and got back into the game with a shot on target and two shot attempts. Peretz had to intervene a few times to prevent the Blues from taking the advantage. After an hour of play, Barcola did not hit a cross from Koundéhe tried to find Zaire-Emery behind but the Israeli defense cleaned up. The ball remained in front of Peretz’s cage for a long time.
The game continued, but there was nothing to do, the Israeli defense was solidly organized. To bring freshness, Deschamps brought in Coman, Nkunku et Rabiot for Olise, Barcola and Camavinga. A brand new attack to find a solution to the Israeli puzzle. Thuram is also mounted in place of Zaire-Emerywho had just created a huge opportunity blocked by Peretz.
The two teams therefore shared at the Stade de France (0-0)which strongly penalizes our Devils. Israel now has a point, and will beat the Devils if they win by more than two goals on Sunday. The Devils still keep their destiny in their hands to avoid the most complete rout this Sunday.
Belgium
