France, a team known for its rich football heritage and a plethora of attacking talent, has advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. However, the journey has been far from impressive, with Les Bleus scraping through with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium. This win, marred by the absence of open play goals, has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Didier Deschamps’ conservative tactics and whether he can afford to unleash his offensive stars, especially Kylian Mbappe, against Portugal.
The Pragmatic Approach of Deschamps
Didier Deschamps, a World Cup-winning player and coach, is renowned for his pragmatic, defense-first approach. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a solid defensive foundation, often at the expense of attacking creativity. Deschamps has always believed that a strong defense is crucial for success in international tournaments, where time to train and implement tactics is limited.
Defensive Solidity Over Attacking Flair
Under Deschamps, France has prioritized defensive solidity, evidenced by their impressive clean sheet record in Euro 2024. Players like William Saliba have been pivotal in maintaining this defensive resilience. However, this approach has been scrutinized due to France’s lackluster offensive performance. Despite having an array of attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele, France has managed to score only three goals in the tournament, with none coming from open play.
The Stagnation of France’s Attack
The lack of goals from open play highlights a significant issue with France’s current tactical setup. Deschamps’ conservative strategy has stifled the creativity and flair of his attacking players, leading to predictability in their play. This was evident in the dull match against Belgium, where France’s attack looked disjointed and uninspired.
Mbappe and the Unfulfilled Potential
Kylian Mbappe, one of the world’s most talented forwards, has struggled to find his best form under Deschamps’ rigid system. Despite his immense talent and potential to change games single-handedly, Mbappe has been unable to shine due to the lack of support and creative freedom. The French attack, characterized by slow buildup and cautious play, must capitalize on Mbappe’s pace and goal-scoring prowess.
The Quarter-Final Challenge Against Portugal
As France prepares to face Portugal in the quarter-finals, Deschamps faces a critical decision: stick with his tried-and-tested defensive approach or take a risk by unleashing his attacking talents. Portugal, though underperforming, remains a dangerous side with the capability to exploit any weaknesses.
Potential Tactical Adjustments
With Adrien Rabiot suspended, Deschamps has an opportunity to rethink his midfield setup. Antoine Griezmann could be deployed in a more central role, where his playmaking abilities can be better utilized. Additionally, starting Olivier Giroud as the central striker could provide the focal point that has been missing. Giroud’s ability to hold up the ball and link play could be the key to unlocking Mbappe’s potential.
The Risk of Continuity
Despite the calls for a more offensive lineup, Deschamps is likely to remain cautious. Bringing in either Youssouf Fofana or Eduardo Camavinga to replace Rabiot would maintain the defensive balance but might not solve the attacking issues. The risk-averse approach, while ensuring defensive stability, could once again lead to a lackluster performance in the attacking third.
The Players’ Perspective
Interestingly, the French players support Descha
mps’ methods. Antoine Griezmann has publicly backed the defensive strategy, emphasizing the importance of a strong defense in tournament football. Similarly, Adrien Rabiot has expressed contentment with the current approach as long as it leads to success. While defending the team’s tactics, William Saliba highlighted the difficulty opponents face against France’s compact and solid defense.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act for Deschamps
Didier Deschamps finds himself at a crossroads. His conservative tactics have brought France this far, but the lack of attacking impetus poses a significant risk against more vigorous opponents like Portugal. The quarter-final match presents an opportunity for Deschamps to strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair.
To succeed, France needs to harness the full potential of its attacking stars, particularly Kylian Mbappe. Allowing Mbappe the freedom to express himself on the pitch could be the key to unlocking France’s offensive capabilities and making a serious push for the Euro 2024 title. However, whether Deschamps is willing to deviate from his trusted methods remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the outcome of the quarter-final against Portugal could hinge on Deschamps’ willingness to adapt and take calculated risks. If France can find the right balance, they have the talent to go all the way. If not, their journey in Euro 2024 might end in familiar frustration, with their attacking prowess left unfulfilled.
