The match between France and Israel was held in a very special atmosphere in Saint-Denis, Thursday November 14, 2024.
The security system deployed was enormousat the Stade de France as well as around the enclosure, Thursday November 14, 2024, during the Nations League match between the Blues and Israel (0-0).
Tensions in the stands
The deployment of 4,000 police officers and gendarmes in Saint-Denis but also in Paris had been announced by the capital's police prefect, Laurent Nuñez. He was talking about a match “high risk”, and a device “extremely reinforced”. Although no major incidents were reported during the evening, RMC Sport reported some tensions in the stands at the start of the match.
While whistles were heard in particular when announcing the Israeli line-up as well as the anthem from the visiting country, our colleagues revealed that a fight involving around fifty people broke out in the north turn. This occurred in the stand where Israeli fans were grouped together. Calm then returned, after the intervention of stewards, according to RMC.
Sadly historic crowd
Another major point of the evening is a number. And it is sadly historic: it is that of affluence. 16,611 spectators were present at the Stade de France for this League of Nations meeting. This is quite simply the lowest data for a Blues meeting in Saint-Denis. The Team reminds us that we must go back as of June 22, 2003 and a Confederations Cup poster against New Zealand to trace the old record: 36,842 souls were present that day, in a setting that counts… 80 000 places.
France is qualified
Despite this evening fueled by a very heavy atmosphere, there was a football match which, for the time being, will not remain engraved in memories. Unable to impose themselves, the Blues conceded a draw, 0-0. This is also the fourth time in 2024 that Didier Deschamps' troops have finished a match with a goalless draw.
With the defeat of Belgium, France, second with 10 points, ensured its qualification for the final phase of the competition. On Sunday, in Italy, she will try to go snatch first place to an undefeated Squadra Azzurra which is three steps ahead. To win the crown, the 2018 world champion will have to win in Milan with two goals difference.
France
