15 points taken out of 15 possible. 5 victories in as many matches. 11 goals scored and none conceded. Here is the, so far, perfect assessment of the French team in these qualifying phases for Euro 2024. Once again applied, this Thursday evening at the Parc des Princes, the Blues of Didier Deschamps – buoyed by the very good performances of Aurélien Tchouameni, Antoine Griezmann and Théo Hernandez to name but a few – did not use their talent to overcome (2-0) a very grouped and generally disappointing Irish team. Questioned at a press conference, the French coach did not hide his joy when drawing up a first on-the-spot analysis.
“We did everything we had to do to get it with around ten chances against an aggressive team with a big defensive block. We could have put more speed. We score two goals, we don’t concede. There are also two different scorers. It’s good. It helps us move forward on our goal. The regret is not having made more impact with our number of possibilities. But overall, I am very satisfied and proud of my team. We have had an ideal journey so far. We are very well on our way to the objective”. With 9 points ahead of the Netherlands – who have two matches in hand – and Greece, the Tricolores are, in fact, getting closer to Germany, host country of Euro 2024 and which will cross paths with the champions of the world 2018, this Tuesday.
A 5-star goalkeeper!
So of course, keeping a clean sheet against the uninspired Irish is certainly not a notable achievement, but the fact remains that the Blues have still not conceded a goal after five qualifying matches. A pleasant observation when it comes time to take stock and look forward to the 17th edition of the Euro. Attractive statistics reflecting, moreover, the rigor of a united collective driven by the desire not to suffer. “We all get along well in the team, we all have great experience, we all play for big clubs so I think it’s easier. We know each other well, that helps too. For example, I played with Lucas (Hernandez) at Bayern for a long time and I get along very well with him and with the others. There is a superb atmosphere”confided, in this capacity, Dayot Upamecano in the mixed zone.
First launch pad for this defensive solidity? Mike Maignan. Already decisive against the Netherlands (penalty stopped at the end of the match) or against Ireland during the first leg with several world-class parades, the last bastion of AC Milan once again showed itself to his advantage, Thursday evening, at the Parc des Princes. Vigilant to push back the head of Chiedozie Ogbene (52nd), the French goalkeeper with 8 selections thus offered himself a new clean sheet. A remarkable performance, confirming his ease in taking over from Hugo Lloris in the French cages. Imperial on his line, solid in the air, precise in his restarts and precious in his communication, the native of Cayenne logically appears as one of the great architects of this tricolor wall. “Mike Maignan was great, especially in communication, so everything went well and I hope it continues like this”remarked Upamecano in this sense before saying more about this defensive solidity.
An efficient defensive animation!
“Of course it’s very important for us. We, as defenders, don’t like to concede goals so it’s logically a big victory for us. Not conceding goals during all qualifying? No, it’s not a challenge. As I said, we talk with Mike, with Lucas, with Jules. We said to ourselves that we had to defend well, that we circulate the ball. Afterwards if we don’t concede goals, it’s even better. We have to continue like this. Lucas I played with him at Bayern so there are not many differences compared to my association with Ibrahima Konaté, I feel good with both. Lucas had a great match and I’m happy for him.”. More than a great goalkeeper, the French team also relies on this ability to defend while moving forward. Whether with Ibrahima Konaté, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé or Lucas Hernandez, the Blues give their opponents very little respite. It was enough to see the impact made by the central hinge Upamecano-Hernandez (14 balls recovered between two) on the unfortunate Irish attackers…
Athletic, impressive in the duel and fast, this defense cannot be surprised and can, moreover, count on an omnipresent midfielder. Like Aurélien Tchouameni, still perfect at recovering the ball, Adrien Rabiot, also at ease, Antoine Griezmann, author of a new remarkable performance (notably in his balance and accuracy in midfield) or Ousmane Dembélé, rigorous in his replacements, the Blues defend together, regardless of the starters. Let us recall, with this in mind, the exceptional match produced by Eduardo Camavinga in Ireland, on March 27. Questioned on this point at a press conference, Didier Deschamps also underlined this group cohesion in defensive animation.
“We had ball outings with three players with Lucas, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Koundé which could allow Théo to play higher. Lucas can lock behind his brother. This side was very successful. It was also important to have this width with Théo and Ousmane Dembélé. We have this ability to score goals and put the opponent in difficulty. It’s not just the defensive sector. Everyone is focused on losing. We are also not going to take away the credit from Mike Maignan. I’m still taking this clean sheet. But I never asked them to lock it. Above all, we have this ability to defend well together”. While waiting to find the perfect alchemy on the offensive level, the French team can, in any case, rely on very high level defensive animation. A very good promise before returning to Germany this Tuesday, then from June 14 to July 14, 2024…
