France Belgium Euro 2024: Defensive Masterclass Sends Les Bleus to Quarterfinals
France secured their spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, setting up a clash with Portugal. The match, a tactical battle with few clear-cut chances, highlighted France’s defensive strength and pragmatic approach under manager Didier Deschamps. France’s organization and structure stifled Belgium’s attack, limiting them to just two shots on target. Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, struggled to find an answer to France’s rigid defense, his tactical choices failing to unlock the French backline.
France, while dominant defensively, struggled to create many opportunities of their own, relying on an 85th-minute own goal from Jan Vertonghen to secure the win. Vertonghen deflected Randall Kolo Muani’s off-target shot past Koen Casteels, gifting France the victory and highlighting their struggles to score in open play. This reliance on set pieces and defensive errors for goals raises questions about France’s attacking potency as the tournament progresses.
France’s defensive prowess, a hallmark of Deschamps’ tenure, was on full display against Belgium. Their ability to nullify opponents and control the tempo of the game has become a defining characteristic of this French side. Deschamps’ tactical approach, influenced by his time in Italy, prioritizes defensive solidity and collective effort. This philosophy, while sometimes criticized for being overly cautious, has consistently delivered results for France in major tournaments.
Belgium’s star midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, acknowledged France’s defensive dominance after the game, admitting that Belgium feared making mistakes that France could capitalize on. France’s tactical approach forces opponents to play outside their comfort zone, disrupting their rhythm and limiting their attacking options.
France’s center-back pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were instrumental in shutting down Belgium’s attack, effectively neutralizing Romelu Lukaku and Loïs Openda. Their performance epitomized France’s defensive strength, providing a solid foundation for the team’s success. Jules Koundé also excelled at right-back, further solidifying France’s defensive line.
While France’s defensive strength has carried them to the quarterfinals, questions remain about their attacking capabilities. The team has yet to score a goal from open play in the tournament, relying on own goals and a penalty for their victories. Kylian Mbappé, despite showing glimpses of his brilliance, has yet to reach his full potential. His performance against Belgium, while improved from previous matches, suggests he is still recovering from a broken nose.
Despite their attacking struggles, France’s ability to grind out results and their unwavering defensive discipline make them a formidable contender for the Euro 2024 title. Didier Deschamps’ tactical flexibility and the team’s collective spirit have enabled them to overcome challenges and progress in the tournament. The upcoming quarterfinal against Portugal will be a crucial test for France, requiring them to find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity. The match will also highlight the importance of players like Kolo Muani, whose late-game energy and determination proved decisive against Belgium.
Antoine Griezmann’s willingness to play out of position, embracing a role on the right wing, further underscores the team’s unity and commitment to Deschamps’ tactical plan. This adaptability and selflessness are key components of France’s success. With Adrien Rabiot suspended for the quarterfinal, Deschamps will need to rely on other players like Youssouf Fofana or Eduardo Camavinga to step up. The potential return of Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola adds further depth and tactical options for France.