The French team, facing Poland this Tuesday, June 25, must ramp up in this Euro 2024. Guaranteed to compete in the round of 16, the Blues are aiming for victory and first place in Group D. And to do so, They would be well advised to finally score goals, having been very discreet in the offensive sector until now.
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Not winning your first two group matches in a major competition is unusual with Didier Deschamps’ French team. Since the coach took office in 2012, this had only happened at Euro 2021, where the Blues were in a very tough group with Germany, Portugal and Hungary. This is now also the case in this Euro 2024with a narrow victory against Austria and a draw against the Netherlands.
No let-up is therefore allowed for the world vice-champions against Poland, their last opponent in Group D. Certainly, the French, with four points on the clock, are not threatened. After Spain’s victory against Albania on Monday, they are guaranteed to finish, at worst, among the four best thirds in the first round, whatever the result on Tuesday. And since 2016, the four best third-place finishers in the first round advance to the round of 16 of the Euro.
Mathematically, no worries. France will be there for the knockout phase. But before going into battle from June 29, it is better to gain confidence and enforce respect for the hierarchy. The French team, 2nd in the FIFA world rankings, is favorite against Poland, defeated in its first two matches and 26th in the rankings.
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“ We must be more killers »
With a victory this Tuesday, June 25, the Blues would be in a good position to take first place in Group D, depending on the result of the Netherlands against Austria at the same time. Above all, it is time for the French selection to finally make its mark in this European Nations Championship.
Because if France has a quality offensive arsenal with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani and the young Bradley Barcola, however, she struggles to realize her opportunities. Against the Austrians, she won with an own goal, before remaining silent against the Dutch. In each confrontation, the Tricolores showed a certain lack of realism.
“ It’s frustrating, but nothing alarming. We have to improve offensively and be more killer », admitted Griezmann after the 0-0 against the Batavians, where he notably missed a great opportunity. Against the Poles, Didier Deschamps should be able to count on Kylian Mbappé again, victim of a broken nose during the first match and remained on the bench during the second. With his protective mask, the captain is expected to start the meeting. “ To win, you have to score », recalled the very insightful French coach. The instructions have been passed, all that remains is to apply them.