Yahoo Sports Three things learnt as France’s attacking woes continue despite qualifying for the quarter finals
France were looking to kick into gear against Belgium and show why they were earmarked as pre-tournament favourites at EURO 2024 as the competition entered the knockout stages. Les Blues were lacklustre and missed a clinical streak in front of goal during the group stages and improvement was needed if they wanted to progress further.
Amiss in attack
Off-the-ball France looked composed and controlled. With a rather aggressive and compact approach, Les Bleus were able to retain possession rather easily and prevent any serious threats from the Red Devils. However, further up the pitch, things don’t feel quite right.
With Mbappé back in his familiar position on the left-flank and Thuram playing centrally, Deschamps’ team lacked an understanding in their attempts to sustain attacks and fashion openings. Griezmann tried his best to get involved on the right but often felt isolated and unable to influence the game.
Chances were once again hard to come by with only two shots on target from 19 attempts for the 2018 World Cup winners. France played with an improved understanding in the second half but efforts from distance looked to be the only way they could threaten Casteels between the posts for Belgium.
Les Bleus still have not scored from open play in the competition with their goal coming through Jan Vertonghen who turned Kolo Muani’s shot into his own net.
The Griezmann Experiment
In an attempt to improve the attacking prowess of Les Bleus, Deschamps made the orthodox decision to plat Antoine Griezmann as a right-sided forward. When he is on song, the Atlético Madrid man is crucial to the way France play and this was displayed with his seamless transition to playing in a midfield three at the 2022 World Cup.
Nevertheless, thus far in this tournament, he has been unable to have such an effect. The positioning of the 32-year-old has often been rotated with Griezmann operating as a forward, a right winger and in midfield as Deschamps searches for a system that makes Les Bleus tick.
The former Barcelona attacking midfielder’s best moments came when he cut inside or adopted more central areas. This worked well allowing Koundé to advance into the space he vacated and deliver some great crosses into the box. A highlight reel primarily consisting of him adopting central areas prompts a likely return to midfield.
Kolo-Muani repays the faith
Didier Deschamps has been a devout defender of his decisions to continuously include Randal Kolo-Muani in his France squads despite a rather underwhelming season for Paris Saint-Germain. After a disappointing display from Thuram, the France boss turned to the PSG forward to influence the game and help Les Bleus score a winner.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt attacker did just that after a brilliant first touch teed him up to poke the ball beyond Casteels via a deflection from Vertonghen to give France the lead. He was denied his goal as it was ruled as an own goal. Nonetheless, his impact was decisive as Les Bleus secured their place in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024. His impact may be rewarded as Deschamps looks to solve his side’s woes in attack.
