The French team ended its run in the Euro qualifiers with a draw (2-2). In Greece, she could even have bowed.
There will be no grand slam for France in the Euro qualifiers. The Tricolores failed with one round remaining. In a match without stakes but not without interest, they had to share the honors with Greece (2-2). A lesser evil given the sluggish performance that was delivered.
Fofana avoids defeat for the Blues
On Greek soil, the world vice-champions could even have lost. Wasn’t it Youssouf Fofana’s cannonball in the 74the, they would in fact have left home empty-handed. It would have been a funny way to end the calendar year. Fortunately, the former Monegasque was inspired, with this shot taken from outside the area after a pass from the returning Kylian Mbappé.
With what looked like an encore team, the Deschamps gang did not put in the necessary ingredients to get their 8e victory in as many matches. Even though she managed to take the advantage thanks to the second goal in Blue from Randal Kolo Muani (42e), we didn’t really feel that she was superior to her opponent of the day. Or, not before being led.
photo credit: Panoramic
Five minutes of hesitation that cost you dearly
It wasn’t a full match, but even if they were average, the Tricolores could have won. Their rivals were not much more threatening, except over a period of five minutes (56e and 61e) where they have maximum efficiency with two goals scored. Bakasetas first equalized with an unstoppable volley at the edge of the area, then Ionnadis slammed the second taking advantage of another moment of hesitation within the French defense.
Failing to produce its usual face, the French team had the merit of reacting well. Once her back was against the wall, she did not disunite. The last half hour of the match was to his advantage. With the substitutions made, it was possible to win the bet at the end. Unfortunately, the final gesture was lacking. Like on this opportunity from Kingsley Coman in the 90th, on which the two Greek uprights were hit, or on Mbappé’s shot just before the gong which ended up on the crossbar (94th).
The job is done for France
The world vice-champions will therefore be satisfied with 22 points out of 24 in this qualifying phase. It’s a shame, but it won’t tarnish the overall results and the general impression left. Griezmann and others qualified with flying colors for the continental tournament. And it is still as number 1 favorites that they will appear there next summer.
