France’s Euro 2024 journey was supposed to be a showcase of their footballing prowess, a tournament where they reasserted their dominance in international football. Instead, it turned into a sobering experience that exposed several weaknesses and tactical shortcomings. As a long-time admirer of French football, it was with great anticipation that I watched their matches, only to see them crash out in the semi-finals to Spain. This campaign, marked by missed opportunities and tactical inflexibility, highlighted the harsh realities of international football.
From the outset of Euro 2024, France’s campaign was marred by inconsistency. Their group stage performance hinted at deeper issues within the team, which became glaringly apparent as the tournament progressed. Despite advancing past the group stage, their victories were often unconvincing, relying heavily on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
The Mbappé Factor for France
Kylian Mbappé, the face of French football and the team’s captain, was central to their hopes in Euro 2024. However, his tournament was far from what he had envisioned. A broken nose in the opening match against Austria forced him to miss the crucial game against the Netherlands and play with a protective mask upon his return. This injury clearly affected his performance, limiting his usual dynamism and confidence.
Mbappé himself reflected on his struggles, saying, “I took a blow at Euro [2021] with a failed competition. It’s a big black mark on my national team CV. I’ve got this vindictive spirit.” Despite his determination, his contributions were limited to a single penalty goal and an assist for Randal Kolo Muani’s goal in the semi-final. His missed opportunity in the 86th minute against Spain, where his shot flew over the bar, epitomized his and France’s frustrations.
“It was a failure. We had the ambition to be European champions; I had the ambition to be European champion. We aren’t that, so it’s a failure,” Mbappé admitted candidly after the match.
Mbappé’s journey in Euro 2024 was a stark contrast to his explosive performance in the 2018 World Cup, where he was a driving force behind France’s success. The physical and psychological burden of playing through an injury was evident. Despite his efforts, the protective mask hindered his vision and comfort, affecting his usual explosive style of play. His decision to abandon the mask in the semi-final was a desperate attempt to reclaim his form, but it was too little too late. The pressure on Mbappé to deliver was immense, and his failure to meet these expectations was a significant blow to the team.
Tactical Shortcomings and Team Dynamics of France in Euro 2024
Manager Didier Deschamps faced significant scrutiny for his tactical decisions and the overall preparation of the team in Euro 2024. Deschamps acknowledged that several players were not fully fit, impacting their performance levels. “My players were not fully fit,” he stated, highlighting the physical and mental toll on the team. This admission, however, did little to quell the frustration of fans and analysts who expected more from a team brimming with talent.
France’s style of play throughout Euro 2024 was often criticized as boring and uninspiring.
Deschamps favored a conservative, defense-first approach that prioritized stability over creativity. This strategy, which had worked in previous tournaments, backfired in Euro 2024.
France’s matches were characterized by slow build-up play, a lack of pressing, and an over-reliance on individual moments of brilliance. Their attacking play was often predictable, with long balls and hopeful crosses replacing intricate passing and movement. This lack of dynamism made it easier for opponents to anticipate and neutralize France’s threats.
The conservative approach was particularly evident in the knockout stages, where France’s lack of urgency and pressing allowed their opponents to dictate the tempo of the game. The team’s inability to adapt and change tactics during matches was glaring. Deschamps’ decision-making was called into question, especially his reliance on a few key players while neglecting the potential contributions of others. This tactical rigidity was a significant factor in France’s inability to progress further in the tournament.
The Griezmann and Dembele Conundrum
Antoine Griezmann, once the lynchpin of France’s attacking play, struggled throughout Euro 2024. His form was erratic, and Deschamps’ decision to bench him in the semi-final against Spain was a gamble that did not pay off. Griezmann’s absence highlighted France’s lack of creativity in the midfield. The decision was particularly puzzling given Griezmann’s experience and his ability to influence big matches. Without him, France lacked a playmaker who could link the midfield and attack effectively.
Griezmann’s decline in form was a significant concern for France in Euro 2024. Known for his vision and playmaking abilities, his performances in Euro 2024 were a shadow of his previous exploits. The lack of support and proper utilization of his skills were evident. Griezmann thrived when given the freedom to roam and create, but the rigid tactical framework employed by Deschamps stifled his natural game. This inability to harness Griezmann’s talents effectively was a missed opportunity for France.
Ousmane Dembele was another player who showed flashes of brilliance but failed to deliver consistently in Euro 2024. His cross-field switches and runs created occasional threats, but his final product was often lacking. In the semi-final against Spain, Dembele created more chances than any other teammate but also had several wayward crosses and shots. His inability to consistently connect with his teammates in the penalty area underscored France’s attacking inefficiency.
Dembele’s situation was a microcosm of France’s broader issues in Euro 2024. His pace and dribbling ability made him a constant threat, but his decision-making in the final third left much to be desired. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play was evident in Dembele’s performances. He often found himself isolated, forced to take on multiple defenders without adequate support. This lack of a coherent attacking strategy was a significant drawback for France.
Boring Football and Tactical Shortcomings of France in Euro 2024
France’s style of play throughout Euro 2024 was often criticized as boring and uninspiring. Deschamps favored a conservative, defense-first approach that prioritized stability over creativity. This strategy had worked in previous tournaments, where France’s disciplined defending and opportunistic attacking saw them through. However, in Euro 2024, this approach backfired.
France’s matches were characterized by slow build-up play, a lack of pressing, and an over-reliance on individual moments of brilliance. Their attacking play was often predictable, with long balls and hopeful crosses replacing intricate passing and movement. This lack of dynamism made it easier for opponents to anticipate and neutralize France’s threats.
The conservative approach was particularly evident in the knockout stages, where France’s lack of urgency and pressing allowed their opponents to dictate the tempo of the game. The team’s inability to adapt and change tactics during matches was glaring. Deschamps’ decision-making was called into question, especially his reliance on a few key players while neglecting the potential contributions of others. This tactical rigidity was a significant factor in France’s inability to progress further in the tournament.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The semi-final against Spain was a microcosm of France’s Euro 2024 tournament—a blend of early promise and subsequent faltering. Despite taking an early lead through Kolo Muani, France failed to maintain their advantage. Spain’s quick response, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, turned the match on its head. France’s lack of urgency and inability to press effectively allowed Spain to control the game and run down the clock.
A critical moment was Mbappé’s missed chance in the 86th minute, which could have taken the match to extra time and possibly altered the outcome.
This miss highlighted the fine margins in football and the unforgiving nature of the sport.
Statistical Overview of France in Euro 2024
Analyzing France’s performance through statistics provides additional insights:
- Goals Scored: France managed only 8 goals in Euro 2024, with just 3 coming from open play.
- Goals Conceded: The defense conceded 6 goals, revealing significant vulnerabilities.
- Possession and Passing: France dominated possession in most matches, averaging 60%, but struggled with penetration and creating clear-cut chances.
The statistics highlight France’s inefficiency in converting possession into meaningful opportunities in Euro 2024. Despite dominating possession, their inability to create and finish chances was a recurring issue. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play was evident in their attacking statistics. This lack of a coherent attacking strategy was a significant drawback for France.
Future Implications for France After Euro 2024
France’s semi-final exit from Euro 2024 has several implications moving forward. The tournament underscored the need for tactical evolution and reducing over-reliance on individual brilliance. While Mbappé remains a cornerstone of the team, a more balanced and adaptable approach will be crucial.
For Mbappé, Euro 2024 has been a source of frustration, contrasting sharply with his World Cup successes. As he matures, the challenge will be to translate his club form and World Cup heroics to the European stage. The next opportunity, Euro 2028, will see him at 29, potentially in his prime but also possibly his last chance to secure continental glory.