France with Belgium as a draw within the spherical of 16 EURO? It was solely partially true. The sport was determined by a nasty shot by Belgian veteran Jan Vertonghen on the finish of the sport. France gained 1-0 and strikes on. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless true that they lack a aim from play from their very own gamers within the event. “Let’s not fear in regards to the small variety of targets, the vital factor is the quarter-finals,” ahead Antoine Griezmann reassured French journalists after the match.
That match had tempo. Many gamers confirmed their particular person high quality, however principally solely till the lime in entrance of the fashioned wall of the opponent. High probabilities had been lacking. Though France had a major 20:5 capturing benefit within the last whole, solely each tenth shot of the French was aimed immediately at Koen Casteels.
Even the important thing motion within the eighty fifth minute was truly not a profitable shot by Randal Kolo Muani, however an unfortunate Belgian nook. Vertonghen, that is the epitome of expertise at 37 years previous, however even the ocean of powerful battles kicked off did not assist him. He tried to return up in opposition to the French striker, however was there late and dribbled the ball previous his helpless colleague within the gloves. The humorous factor is that Kolo Muani did not truly miss the shot, however the fortunate aim meant progress.
France despatched a complete of 69 pictures on the opponent’s goalkeepers in 4 matches on the championship, however solely a minimal of them went between the three posts. For instance, in opposition to Belgium, Aurélien Tchouaméni wouldn’t be misplaced among the many rugby gamers. He burned usually, however slightly threatened the roof of the Düsseldorf area.
The results of the French’s awful fly is three soiled hits within the total event whole. Kylian Mbappé scored as soon as from a penalty in opposition to Poland after which two patriots. There was speak of Vertonghen’s destruction, within the opening efficiency of the French at EURO 2024, the Austrian Wöber freed them for a change.
Solely the Germans and the Spanish produced extra pictures within the event, however their productiveness is significantly higher. However France additionally conceded solely as soon as after Lewandowski’s penalty in opposition to Poland. That is sufficient.
“It is a financial savings recreation, however that is the development now. France simply has it underneath management. Protection is the primary precedence for them, they are saying they do not need to concede. Then a aim can be scored there. It is not the primary event they’ve performed like this. Didier Deschamps is a event coach for me. He can do that and one might say that he has a little bit of luck on his aspect,” stated former goalkeeper and TV professional Zdeněk Zlámal within the ČT sport studio after the match.
Within the context of your complete recreation, France’s progress is deserved, Belgium was unable to step out of its shadow. It began from the primary loss in opposition to Slovakia. Maybe solely the win over Romania introduced some peace to the cabin, however actually not among the many followers who booed the gamers after the 0-0 draw with Ukraine, for which De Bruyne despatched his teammates to the dressing room after the sport in order that they may not go to thank the followers. The bickering between the pitch and the stage predetermined the tip.
The French loved Belgian pralines as true gourmands. And coach Domenico Tedesco can have a tough time explaining such a collapse on the bench of the Purple Devils. Then again, his counterpart Deschamps was beaming with satisfaction after the match.
“It’s sensible. That aim was shut for a very long time. I nonetheless assume we had extra possession and extra probabilities. However such an finish is gorgeous for the entire staff. We now have to take pleasure in it and never cut back our progress to the quarter-finals. I by no means doubted that we’d advance. We now have good habits,” confessed the coach, who has been sitting on the bench of France since 2012.
Naturally, Kevin De Bruyne’s face confirmed extra gloom. Belgium’s most important star toiled on the event, however at 33 he’s saying goodbye to what could also be his final EURO prematurely. “Such a disgrace. We had a plan that was properly performed out. Positive, we knew it was going to be exhausting. France has an excellent staff, however sadly we conceded a aim like that on the finish. As for my future, let me course of this loss. It is too early to evaluate. I’ll decide after the summer season break,” the Belgium captain stated instantly after the match about his future within the nationwide staff.
Whole variety of pictures/targets of groups which have already performed 4 matches within the event:
- Spain – 84 pictures/9 targets
- Germany – 71/10
- Francie – 69/3
- Denmark – 52/2
- Belgium – 51/2
- Slovakia – 50/4
- Switzerland – 46/7
- England – 44/4
- Italy – 43/3
- Georgia – 31/5
Targets
Selfmade: 85. Vertonghen (vl.)
Assemblies
Selfmade: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández – Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Griezmann – Thuram (62. Kolo Muani), Mbappé (C).
Visitors: Casteels – Castagne (88. De Ketelaere), Faes, Vertonghen, Theate – De Bruyne (C), Onana, Carrasco (88. Lukebakio) – Openda (63. Mangala), Lukaku, Doku.
Substitutes
Selfmade: Areola, Samba, Claus, Conate, Pavard, Mendy, Camavinga, Zaire-Emery, Fofana, Barcola, Coman, Dembele, Giroud, Kolo Muani
Visitors: : Kaminski, Sels, Debast, De Cuyper, De Ketelaere, Mangala, Tielemans, Vermeeren, Vranckx, Witsel, Bakayoko, Lukebakio, Trossard
Playing cards
Selfmade: Tchouaméni, Griezmann, Rabiot
Visitors: Vertonghen, Tedesco, Mangala
Referee
Nyberg – Beigi, Söderkvist (all Sweden)
Stadium
Düsseldorf Enviornment, Düsseldorf
