The French national football team, known as the Blues, secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Euro tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to an 85th-minute strike by Randal Kolo Muani. Despite the win, concerns linger over the team's performance, as they struggled throughout the group phase. The victory, though hard-fought, raises questions about their ability to overcome Portugal in the next round.
The match against Belgium was a tense affair, with neither team displaying their best form. This victory continues a pattern of close encounters between the two nations, harking back to their 2018 World Cup semi-final clash. Belgian media expressed frustration and resignation, with headlines reflecting a sense of déjà vu and highlighting the cruelty of the defeat. Kevin De Bruyne's image, captured in moments of despair, became symbolic of Belgium's repeated heartbreak against France.
Belgium's performance has led to introspection and criticism from their press. The duo of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne was deemed underwhelming throughout the tournament, and coach Domenico Tedesco faced scrutiny for his tactical decisions. Belgian outlets like La Libre and Sporza described the defeat as another traumatic episode, questioning Tedesco's ability to handle the pressures of a major tournament.
For the French team, the victory is seen as a relief but also a wake-up call. The sports daily L'Équipe emphasized the importance of the qualification while acknowledging the need for improvement to face Portugal. The upcoming match offers the Blues a chance to avenge their loss in the Euro 2016 final and to dream of a celebratory July 14th.
- The French media's reaction to the victory was mixed, with some outlets celebrating the result while others highlighted the team's ongoing struggles. Le Parisien's front page captured the mood with the headline 'A quarter but still doubts,' reflecting the cautious optimism surrounding the team's prospects.
- In Belgium, the defeat has prompted a period of reflection and criticism. The French-speaking daily DH and Le Soir both used the phrase 'As usual' to describe the loss, indicating a sense of inevitability and frustration. The criticism extended to the tactical approach of coach Domenico Tedesco, with pundits questioning his decisions and ability to manage the team effectively.
- The upcoming quarter-final match against Portugal is crucial for France, as it not only offers a path to the semi-finals but also a chance to exorcise the ghosts of their Euro 2016 final defeat. The French team will need to address their weaknesses and find a way to deliver a more convincing performance if they are to keep their championship dreams alive.
