The draw against Poland on Tuesday evening (1-1), propelling the French team to second place in its group, synonymous with the round of 16 on Monday (in Düsseldorf) rather than Tuesday (in Leipzig), did not changed the program. The 25 French players will be resting this Wednesday and Thursday morning before resuming training Thursday afternoon. They will be accompanied by their families. These – companions, children, parents, etc. – arrived on Tuesday in a flight chartered by the Federation and stayed last night (and will be able to do so next) at the French team hotel in Bad Lippspringe, making the round trip to Dortmund by bus (approximately 1h30 drive)? Beyond that, they will remember watching the match against a descending sun which overheated their stands.
Lukascz Skoruoski, a blue nightmare
Polish coach Michal Probiacz announced a change of goalkeeper for the match against France to prepare for the future following the announcement of the international retirement of (very good) starter Wojciech Szezcny. In France, everyone was waiting for Marcin Bulka, Nice goalkeeper (and former Paris SG) author of a great season in Ligue 1. Now everyone knows Lukascz Skorupski, also author of a remarkable year in Serie A with Bologna , 5th and qualified for the Champions League. Author of 7 saves, the man who had been Szezcny’s understudy for 8 years was elected man of the match. “I think I showed that I could be number one,” he declared, when his coach praised his investment in the shadows and his exceptional game.
At least two Blues already knew his talent: on January 27, with AC Milan, Olivier Giroud and Théo Hernandez each saw their penalty rejected by the Polish goalkeeper.
Louise Attaque and the “fan song” 2024
After Magic System in 2018, Youssoupha in 2021 and Maître Gims in 2022, the “fan song” – a song chosen for the supporters of each nation and broadcast a few minutes before the players enter to warm up the atmosphere – is a classic of the years 1990: “I take you to the wind” by Louise Attaque. In addition to stadiums, it is broadcast in fan zones. While the Blues’ adventure in 2022 was marked by the choice of another 90’s hit – “Freed From Desire” by Gala – as the players’ anthem, no song has emerged from the locker room so far.
Zuriko Davitashvili, the big day
Georgia and Girondins winger Zuriko Davitashvili are experiencing a special first Euro: a defeat in the first match against Turkey (3-1) after hitting the posts three times and having the opportunity to equalize at 2-2 in stoppages in play; a draw against the Czech Republic (1-1) with a failed face-off at the last second which could have offered them qualification. The round of 16 will now involve an exploit against Portugal, already qualified and assured of first place in the group.
For the occasion, Davitashvili will meet his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Last year, he told “Sud Ouest” how the Portuguese had been an example, but also the day he met him in Tbilisi in 2013. “Zuka” was 12 years old at the time.
Zan Vipotnik and Slovenia in the 8th finals
As in the first match against Denmark (1-1), Zan Vipotnik, author of a difficult entry against Serbia (1-1), remained on the bench during Slovenia’s draw against England ( 0-0). The Girondins center forward will have a new opportunity to play: this third draw ensures his selection, which had not participated in an international final phase for 22 years, to qualify for the round of 16 among the best third-placed teams. .
Read in “Sud Ouest”
Analysis. France – Poland (1 – 1): Pushed towards pitfalls, the Blues deserved it
The fact of the match. France – Poland (1 – 1): Points for Barcola, doubts for Griezmann
France-Poland: “The first objective has been achieved”, assures Didier Deschamps after the Blues’ draw at the Euro
The notes of “Sud Ouest” after France-Poland: Dembélé and Mbappé decisive at least, the inattention of Upamecano
Reactions after France – Poland (1 – 1): “We didn’t have a great match, but we will bounce back” says Eduardo Camavinga
Today’s program
6 p.m.: Belgium – Ukraine, in Stuttgart (group E)
6 p.m.: Romania – Slovakia, in Frankfurt (group E)
9 p.m.: Türkiye – Czech Republic, in Hamburg (group F)
