France’s journey to the quarterfinals of the Euros paints a paradox: a team brimming with world-class talent that has, so far, relied more on fortune than fluency in front of goal. With just three goals to their name—one from the penalty spot and two courtesy of opposition mistakes—they remain enigmatic contenders, both frustrating and formidable.
It took nine minutes for Antoine Griezmann to register the
first shot against Belgium, but it was a weak attempt, emblematic of France’s
early struggles. By halftime, France had fired nine shots to Belgium’s solitary
effort, yet none carried a genuine threat. The attack, led by marquee names like
Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Thuram, appeared laborious, lacking the incisiveness often defining French football.
There were flashes of ingenuity: Thuram’s near-post headers,
Aurelien Tchouaméni’s long-range effort sailing over, and Mbappé’s determined
runs down the left. But these moments were fleeting, swallowed by a malaise of
predictability.
Belgium, for their part, countered with verve. Jérémy Doku
and Yannick Carrasco were perpetual motion machines, driving their side
forward. Loïs Openda’s sharp turn into the box created an opportunity for
Carrasco that might have been capitalized upon with better precision. Kevin De
Bruyne, ever the orchestrator, nearly caught Mike Maignan off guard with a
cunning free-kick masked by a wall of bodies.
A Second-Half
Awakening?
After the interval, France added a degree of urgency. The
passes zipped faster; the intent was clearer. Mbappé and N’Golo Kanté combined
to set up Tchouaméni for a curling effort that finally forced Koen Casteels
into a meaningful save. Thuram’s aerial dominance continued but without the
finishing touch. And when Mbappé sliced wide after being teed up by Griezmann
and Jules Koundé, frustration mounted.
It wasn’t until the 84th minute, after 66 attempts across
four matches, that France finally seemed to score from open play—only for it to
be revealed as another own goal, Jan Vertonghen inadvertently deflecting Randal
Kolo Muani’s strike. It encapsulated France’s campaign: promising
build-up, fortuitous conclusion.
The Silent Anchors
Amidst the offensive misfires, France’s defensive solidity has been their bedrock. William Saliba, a colossus in the backline, boasts an impressive record: no goals conceded from open play in his 387 minutes of European Championship football. Against Belgium, he was immaculate, not losing possession even once in the first half.
Jules Koundé, tirelessly patrolling the right flank, covered
10.65 kilometres, recovered possession seven times, and created five chances,
including one deemed a "big opportunity." His versatility and energy
kept Belgium’s attackers at bay while contributing to France’s forward thrusts.
And then there’s N’Golo Kanté, the quiet heartbeat of Les
Bleus. With a staggering 95% passing accuracy, a flawless dribble record, and a
knack for delivering key passes, Kanté broke Xavi’s record for the most
European Championship appearances without defeat. His influence remains
understated yet indispensable.
The Missing
Conviction
While the defensive and midfield units have excelled, the
frontline has flattered to deceive. The talent is undeniable, but conviction—a
ruthless edge—is missing. France’s campaign teeters on the precipice of
potential unfulfilled, yet their resilience cannot be dismissed.
For all their flaws, this team’s ceiling remains as high as their pedigree suggests. With quarterfinal opponents looming, France must rediscover the incisiveness that has defined champions of old. If they can, the title is still theirs to claim. If not, their paradoxical journey might end as curiously as it has unfolded.
Note;: Excerpts from The Guardian
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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