The French team was knocked out by Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and will not see the final on July 14.
02:00 – Griezmann: “We may have seen it too easy after Kolo Muani’s goal”
Speaking to TF1, the French team’s striker analysed the elimination: “They lacked defensive solidity and legs. They were better than us, except for the first 20 minutes. We took a shot from afar, when we knew they often shot from afar. We knew that. The second goal we conceded, we missed a recovery. We tried, but it was too late. Yamal’s goal hurt, the second goal killed the team. We didn’t have our defensive solidity. That was our strong point. We lost against a good Spanish team. There is no excuse for fatigue, because Spain was better in all areas. We may have seen it too easy after Kolo’s goal (Muani, Editor’s note).”
00:00 – Mbappé admits not having “been good” in a “failed” Euro
In front of the press, the captain of the French team was frank following the elimination against Spain: “They played a better match than us. A big gap? We should watch the match again. We conceded two goals quickly and in the second half we had opportunities to come back but we didn’t come back. (…) The competition is a failure. I wanted to be European champion. It’s been a long year, I’m going on vacation to rest. I wasn’t good and we’re going home, it’s simple. I have to rest. After that, I’m leaving for a new life.”
09/07/24 – 23:40 – Yamal’s reaction, elected man of the match
Speaking to UEFA, the striker was smiling: “I’m very happy. I enjoyed this moment with the team. I’m savouring the victory. I want to win, win, and win again. It’s just a joy right now, and what’s more, I’m going to be able to celebrate my birthday here.” He will be 17 in a few days…
09/07/24 – 23:30 – Some statistics of this France – Spain
Spain had, unsurprisingly, possession of the ball (58%), but above all they had remarkable efficiency: 2 shots on target for two goals. On the other side, the Blues shot nine times, for three tries on target. The gang at Mbappe can also regret the nine poorly exploited corners.
09/07/24 – 23:15 – La Roja was worn by a 16 year old kid!
FC Barcelona’s jewel, Lamine Yamal, for his first major international competition, was the great architect of this success against France. His goal, of an incredible class, woke up his team. He was named man of the match by UEFA.
09/07/24 – 23:05 – Deschamps delivered his first analysis
Speaking to TF1, the French coach was marked by disappointment: “Spain is a great team, they proved what they were capable of. We were lucky enough to open the scoring, but Spain caused difficulties for our team. They were superior in technical mastery. Spain is the team that gave the best impression, and they showed what they were capable of again tonight. We were in between in the first half, we had a little less juice and freshness. We had technical waste in the construction of the game against their pressure…”
09/07/24 – 23:00 – France did not last the distance against the scintillating Spain (2-1)
And yet, this Euro 2024 semi-final had started ideally for Deschamps’ gang. Shifted to the left side, Mbappé, who decided to play without his mask, placed the ball on Kolo Muani’s head (0-1, 9th). Superior at the start of the game, the Blues were surprised by the genius of Yamal. From 30 meters, the jewel of the Roja sent, with a superb curling shot, the leather into the top corner of Maignan’s net (1-1, 21st). Stunned, France cracked again. Unlucky, Koundé accompanied a cross-shot from Olmo into the goal (2-1, 25th). Trailing for the first time in the competition, the French were never able to come back in this game despite the repeated assaults of Barcola and Dembélé. Unfortunately, like the competition, they were clumsy in the last third of the pitch. Two minutes from the end, like a symbol, Mbappé, in a duel with Unai Simon, missed the equalizer by putting too much force in his shot. It was not the day of the Blues. La Roja, carried by its technical mastery, takes the road to Berlin.
09/07/24 – 22:54 – France is eliminated from Euro 2024!
Master of their emotions, La Roja qualifies thanks to goals from Yamal and Olmo. The journey ends for the Blues.
09/07/24 – 22:52 – Griezmann misses the last opportunity (90th+5)
On a long-range cross from Barcola, the striker, in a duel with Cucurella, was unable to support his header.
09/07/24 – 22:51 – La Roja makes two changes (90th+4)
Yamal and Williams leave the field. Zubimendi and Ferran Torres will play the last minutes.
09/07/24 – 22:49 – France is close to elimination (90th+3)
Spain breaks the rhythm, and plays the game perfectly. La Roja is close to a fifth final.
09/07/24 – 22:49 – Yamal receives a warning (90th+1)
The scorer of this Euro 2024 semi-final cut off the French counter-attack. That was clever!
09/07/24 – 22:48 – There will be five more minutes (90th)
The Blues can find some hope! There is room to come back!
09/07/24 – 22:47 – Camavinga receives a yellow card (90th)
Annoyed by the opponent’s control, the midfielder gave Cucurella a run for his money.
09/07/24 – 22:46 – Spain gains time (89th)
Spain’s technical quality is impressive. The clock is ticking.