Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, has come out in defense of his team’s style of play, insisting that they are capable of “spark emotions” despite criticism labeling them as “boring” at Euro 2024. The recent game against Sweden ended in a goalless draw after extra time, extending the streak of a French player failing to score from open play to five games in the tournament. France, the two-time European champions, began their campaign in Germany with a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria, courtesy of an own goal. This was followed by a goalless draw against Netherlands and a 1-1 draw against Poland, with Kylian Mbappe converting a penalty for the French. In the round of 16, another own goal was required to see off Belgium and secure their place in the quarter-finals. In a final warm-up match before the European Championship, France played out yet another goalless draw at home against Canada.
Mbappe, who had an outstanding season scoring 44 goals across all competitions before his move to Real Madrid, remains a crucial player for the French national team. Assistant coach Stephan has reiterated Mbappe’s importance to the team amidst criticisms over their lack of goals in the tournament.
Criticism of France’s playing style intensified during a pre-match press conference ahead of their clash with Spain, with a Swedish journalist accusing them of playing “boring football”. In response, Deschamps dismissed the criticism, stating, “If you’re getting bored, watch another game. You don’t have to watch – it’s fine.” Deschamps acknowledged the challenges of the current Euros, emphasizing that goals have been harder to come by compared to previous tournaments. He highlighted the team’s commitment to delivering results and bringing joy to the French supporters, especially during challenging times for the country.
On the other hand, Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national team, has overseen a contrasting run to the semi-finals, with Spain scoring 11 goals and maintaining a 100% record at Euro 2024. Despite Spain’s impressive attacking display, De La Fuente acknowledged the importance of results over style of play in a knockout stage tournament. He commended France for their exceptional quality and emphasized the need for pragmatism in pursuit of success.
De La Fuente expressed admiration for France’s talent and suggested that enjoyment of football is subjective, with each individual finding pleasure in different aspects of the game. He emphasized the need to analyze opponents based on their potential and acknowledged the challenge that France’s exceptional team poses to their upcoming opponents, including Spain.
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics will be exclusively available for streaming on discovery+, offering fans the opportunity to witness every moment of the games this summer. With both France and Spain competing in the latter stages of Euro 2024, football enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling matches as the tournament reaches its conclusive stages. The clash between these two European powerhouses promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the diverse styles and talents present in international football.
