The French national team headed into Euro 2024 with high hopes and expectations, given the star-studded attacking lineup at their disposal. With players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram, Kingsley Coman, and Olivier Giroud, Les Bleus boasted incredible talent and depth in the attack. However, despite their attacking prowess, the team has struggled to find the back of the net in the tournament so far.
On the defensive end, France has shown significant improvement. Coach Didier Deschamps prioritized shoring up the defense to address the team’s previous vulnerabilities in conceding goals. In the lead-up to the tournament, France had faced challenges in keeping clean sheets against teams like Chile, Germany, and Greece. Deschamps recognized the importance of defensive solidity in winning the Euros, drawing from his experience as a player and a manager with a strong defensive record in past international tournaments.
Deschamps implemented tactical changes to reinforce the team’s defense, including the introduction of defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté and the utilization of an asymmetrical 4-4-2 formation. The defensive partnership between William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano has been particularly impressive, providing a solid foundation for the team’s backline. Against the Netherlands, France showcased their defensive strength by limiting the opposition’s goal-scoring opportunities and maintaining a compact defensive shape.
While the defensive improvements have been notable, France has encountered challenges in converting chances and scoring goals in the tournament. Despite generating a high number of shots and expected goals (xG) in matches against Austria and the Netherlands, the team has struggled to be clinical in front of goal. Key players like Mbappé, Griezmann, and Thuram have missed crucial chances, highlighting the team’s inefficiency in the attacking third.
As France prepares to face Poland in a crucial fixture, the team must address the balance between their defensive solidity and attacking efficiency. Striker Olivier Giroud emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense without compromising the team’s attacking threat. While the defensive improvements have been promising, Deschamps and his team need to work on sharpening their finishing and converting chances to achieve success in the tournament.
The French national team’s journey in Euro 2024 has highlighted the delicate balance between defensive strength and attacking efficiency. While the team has made significant strides in shoring up their defense, they must improve their effectiveness in front of goal to realize their ambitions in the tournament. With the right adjustments and tactical approach, France has the potential to strike a harmony between defense and attack and make a strong impact in Euro 2024.
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