France's national football team, under the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps, secured a crucial victory against Belgium in the 8th final at the Merkur Spiel Arena in Düsseldorf. The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Deschamps substituted Marcus Thuram with Randal Kolo Muani, who went on to score the only goal of the match, ensuring France's progression to the quarter-finals.
Deschamps expressed immense pride in his team's performance, highlighting their improved possession and tactical intelligence. He noted that Belgium, like the Netherlands in their previous match, adopted a cautious approach, positioning themselves further back despite having offensive players on the field. France's ability to control the game and create more chances than their opponents was a key factor in their victory.
The coach also praised the performances of individual players, particularly Jules Koundé, who was named man of the match. Deschamps emphasized the importance of defensive solidity at this level, noting that Koundé's confidence and offensive contributions were crucial. He also mentioned the high caliber of his squad, with players from top clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, and AC Milan.
Deschamps addressed the challenge of scoring in the tournament, acknowledging the difficulty attackers face with the number of own goals. He stressed the need to force destiny and work on converting opportunities, ensuring that this does not become a psychological barrier for the team.
Antoine Griezmann's positioning on the right was a strategic decision for balance, and Deschamps praised his adaptability and effectiveness with the ball. He also commented on Kylian Mbappé's adjustment to playing with a mask, noting that while it affects his lateral vision, he is gradually getting used to it.
In summary, Deschamps' tactical decisions and the team's collective effort have positioned France strongly in the tournament. The victory over Belgium was a testament to their progress and resilience, setting the stage for a promising quarter-final.
- Deschamps highlighted the importance of maintaining possession and controlling the game, which forced Belgium to adopt a more defensive stance. This approach allowed France to create more scoring opportunities and prevented Belgium from exploiting vertical spaces.
- The coach's decision to bring in Randal Kolo Muani was based on his confidence in the player's ability to challenge the Belgian defense. Deschamps noted that Kolo Muani's character and focus on the game make him a valuable asset to the team.
- Defensive solidity was a recurring theme in Deschamps' comments. He emphasized that each line of the team contributes to this strength, and the defenders' growing confidence is evident in their performances. Koundé's offensive play and overall confidence were particularly noteworthy.
- Deschamps acknowledged the psychological aspect of scoring and the need to overcome any mental barriers. He stressed the importance of working on converting opportunities and not letting the difficulty of scoring become a hindrance.
- The coach also discussed the adaptability of his players, particularly Griezmann and Mbappé. Griezmann's versatility in different positions and Mbappé's adjustment to playing with a mask were highlighted as examples of the team's resilience and determination.
