DUSSELDORF, Germany – France’s recent 1-0 victory over Belgium in Euro 2024 evoked a strong sense of déjà vu for many, and rightfully so. This win, securing their place in the quarterfinal against Portugal, was a classic display of the French national team’s renowned pragmatism and resilience. While not a high-scoring thriller, the match against Belgium was a tactical masterclass from France, underscoring their status as serious contenders in this tournament. This France Belgium Euro 2024 match was a testament to France’s enduring strengths.
France, the reigning vice-world champions, showcased their ability to stifle opponents, meticulously closing down any avenues to their goal. In a game characterized by attrition, with limited shots on target and a low expected goals (xG) figure of 1.25, France’s organization shone brightly. They were, undeniably, the most structured and disciplined team on display. Belgium, in contrast, struggled to impose themselves. Coach Domenico Tedesco’s tactical setup, featuring a 4-4-2 formation with Amadou Onana and Kevin de Bruyne in central midfield, proved ineffective against the French wall. Belgium searched for answers, but France offered none, effectively neutralizing their attacking threats throughout the game.
However, France’s own attacking endeavors also seemed muted for stretches of the match. Despite registering 19 shots, only two tested the Belgian goalkeeper. Ultimately, their breakthrough arrived in the 85th minute, courtesy of a fortunate own goal. Jan Vertonghen inadvertently deflected Randall Kolo Muani’s errant shot past Koen Casteels, handing France the decisive goal. Notably, France has yet to score a goal from open play in four Euro 2024 matches, relying on two own goals and a penalty to progress. This offensive drought is a clear concern, but for a Didier Deschamps-led team, grinding out results and reaching the quarter-finals in this manner is almost emblematic of their tournament pedigree.
“We are such a strong team, a compact and solid block, and we deserve some credit for the way we play,” declared defender William Saliba in a post-match interview with ESPN. “People don’t realize how difficult it is to play against us, how hard we make it for the opposition. We have a great head coach, a great squad, a great defense, a great team spirit.” Saliba’s words encapsulate the French approach: prioritize solidity and make life exceedingly difficult for their adversaries.
The often-understated, pragmatic style of Les Bleus can, at times, be perceived as unexciting. Didier Deschamps, however, remains unfazed by such critiques. His famous retort, “We win, that’s the most important. The day we stop winning, we can talk,” underlines his unwavering belief in results-oriented football. Deschamps’ philosophy is rooted in the Italian school of the 1990s, where defensive fortitude and tactical discipline were paramount. This DNA, forged during his time in Italy, has been consistently instilled in his French squads throughout his 12-year tenure. For Deschamps, victory justifies his methods, and as long as France continues to win, his approach will remain vindicated.
Kevin De Bruyne’s post-match assessment to French television further highlighted the effectiveness of France’s tactics. “You don’t realize how good France are. We knew that if we made a mistake [in our defensive third], they would punish us. That’s how much we feared them tonight,” De Bruyne admitted. France’s game plan is designed to disrupt opponents, forcing them out of their comfort zones and into making errors. This tactical weapon has proven potent in Euro 2024 thus far. Whether it will be sufficient to secure their first European Championship title since 2000, navigating through potential challenges from Spain or Germany, remains to be seen. However, no other team remaining in the tournament displays the same level of defensive and collective strength as this French side, a testament to Deschamps’ managerial acumen.
The defensive core of William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan was particularly impressive against Belgium, effectively neutralizing the threats of Romelu Lukaku and Loïs Openda. Jules Koundé also played a crucial role in containing Jérémy Doku on the right flank. France demonstrated mastery in controlling the game’s tempo and effectively shutting down Belgian attacks.
While Kylian Mbappé, still adapting to playing with a protective mask, is yet to reach his peak form, there were signs of improvement against Belgium compared to the Poland match. Despite the discomfort of the mask, his presence remains a constant threat. Meanwhile, Randall Kolo Muani emerged as an unexpected game-changer. Having played limited minutes earlier in the tournament, his introduction brought fresh energy and determination, ultimately contributing to the winning goal.
Deschamps’ pragmatism extends to his tactical flexibility and inclusive squad management. He has utilized four different systems in four Euro 2024 games, keeping opponents guessing and ensuring that numerous players remain involved. With Adrien Rabiot suspended for the quarterfinal, Youssouf Fofana or Eduardo Camavinga are poised to step up. Similarly, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, who were substitutes in the Belgium game after starting previously, could feature prominently in the upcoming match.
Antoine Griezmann’s adaptability was also on display, accepting a role on the right wing against Belgium, a departure from his usual central position. “I told the coach: let’s go, let’s do it. I’m here for you, I’m here to help him,” Griezmann revealed to ESPN, highlighting the collective mindset within the French camp. This willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the team’s benefit is a hallmark of Deschamps’ leadership.
Despite not consistently showcasing dazzling attacking football in Germany this summer, France’s unwavering winning mentality and defensive prowess have propelled them into the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. True to form, under Deschamps’ guidance, they are exactly where many anticipated them to be – in contention for major silverware. The france belgium euro 2024 game was a clear indicator of their tournament credentials, and the upcoming quarterfinal against Portugal promises to be another intriguing chapter in their Euro 2024 journey.
