The French, dressed in pinstripes, are the epitome of elegant elegance, and one might expect them to be among the tournament’s sophisticates. It is becoming increasingly difficult to locate evidence of this.
Two own goals and a penalty have propelled them to the quarterfinals, and we are still waiting for an outcome to match the counter-attacking speed that they are poised to exploit.
Progress is all that matters. Somewhere along the way, perhaps in the final eight games against Portugal or Slovenia in Hamburg on Friday, we will most likely see Kylian Mbappe, captain and Real Madrid player as of Monday, stamp his own unique impression on things. But this hasn’t happened yet. It would be helpful if he wasn’t forced to pursue dead ends.
The man modified his mask here, with smaller eyeholes, thicker and more plentiful cloth, and an ingenious mechanism to keep it on at the back, although it did not appear to improve his peripheral vision. The evidence we’ve seen over the last few years shows that Mbappe assassinates at a blistering pace, despite France’s nuanced, engrossed, and occasionally infuriating aesthetic.
Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, not Mbappe, was the match’s standout, free-flowing forward. A bright spot in the first half, and a member of Belgium’s own counter-attacking force, which had finally risen from a frustratingly defensive mindset when Jan Vertonghen’s kneecap proved vital four minutes later. The Dutch captain extended his leg when substitute Randal Kolo Muani turned around and struck a shot, and Belgium’s campaign was done. Such is the frantic nature of the knockout rounds.
Randal Kolo Muani (left) came off the bench and made a defining contribution for France.
The forward’s strike appeared to be going wide before being diverted on target by Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen.
Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winners of the match between Portugal and Slovenia in Hamburg on Friday.
France celebrates a ‘boring’ victory as Belgium falls short again.
Deschamps stated that his team’s lack of goals in open play was not an issue in a tournament when the overall number of own goals – nine – exceeds that of any one player. ‘We always have the skill and potential to score more. I understand it’s been difficult for us, but it doesn’t mean we haven’t had opportunities. We do not want this to be a psychological barrier.
France fought from behind, refusing to give Belgium room to counterattack. ‘Playing the waiting game and not giving them the space they were searching for,’ Deschamps said. Aurelien Tchouameni commanded play back there, sending the 40-yard diagonal for the great Jules Kounde, whose cross was headed wide by Marcus Thuram, one of several opportunities the forward missed. Kounde was exceptional, posing a continual threat as he attacked from that flank.
However, there was terribly little to show for a French game that became clogged by the Belgian defensive mechanism. Mbappe found himself sprinting at a wall of maroon, failing to find the target despite many attempts.
Deschamps later explained that his forward was still adjusting to the mask. ‘You’ve got the sweat factor, and it can go into his eyes a little bit, even if he can wipe it away,’ the coach said. ‘This is his vision. He claims to see the visuals in 3D. Even at tenths of a millisecond, things are somewhat off. There could be a little delay in his peripheral vision.
There was a rare moment of panic in the France backline as Mike Maignan scrambled away a Belgium free kick.
Arsenal’s William Saliba (right) had the beating of Romelu Lukaku throughout the duration.
Belgium crashes out of the tournament following a dismal campaign under Domenico Tedesco.
French dominance paid off in the end, with the Belgians wandering about the pitch, perplexed, and Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco unable to answer most of the questions posed.
De Bruyne’s admission that he is unsure whether he wants to continue his international career is another indicator that Belgium’s so-called golden generation is fading. Tedesco, who claimed he had feared France would be used behind their lines, insisted on keeping him. Of course, he understands how important he is to us. He doesn’t need my input on the matter. ‘It is not appropriate to ask him these things right after the game,’ he explained.
France has more pressing concerns. These problems to score suggest they may not pose the same threat as Spain or Germany, who face off on Friday, but Mbappe defies such assumptions. He makes France a constant threat to everyone.
