Mbappé leads France to the last sixteen of the European Championship

France Stumbles Through Group Stage Despite Mbappe’s ReturnFrance Stumbles Through Group Stage Despite Mbappe’s Return Despite emerging from the first round of the 2024 European Championship undefeated, France’s below-par performances have raised doubts about their title chances. Uninspiring Performance in Dortmund France’s 1-1 draw with Poland in Dortmund meant they finished second in Group D behind Austria, the only team to defeat them so far in the tournament. The French failed to score a single goal in open play, relying on an own goal and a penalty to earn points. Unfavorable Knockout Draw This second-place finish has landed France in a challenging half of the knockout bracket. Their next match will be against the runners-up of Group E, followed by a potential quarter-final against Portugal and a possible semi-final clash with Spain or Germany. Mbappe’s Return and Goalscoring Woes Kylian Mbappe’s return from a broken nose provided some solace, as he scored his first-ever European Championship goal from the penalty spot. However, his goal was not enough to avoid a draw. France has failed to impress in attack, despite boasting a talented squad led by Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud. Defensive Solidity and Griezmann’s Struggles On the positive side, France’s defense has been solid, conceding only one goal so far. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed confidence in his attackers, but Antoine Griezmann’s struggles have been a concern. The 132-cap forward was dropped against Poland, a rare occurrence. Path to the Final Looks Murky France’s path to the final looks increasingly difficult. They will need to find their scoring touch, with Mbappe expected to play a key role. Deschamps will also need to address Griezmann’s form and ensure that his team maintains its defensive stability. Need for Improvement in Knockout Rounds As France enters the knockout stages, they must improve their attacking prowess. Mbappe’s return is a boost, but he will need support from his teammates. Deschamps will need to find a way to unlock their potential and overcome the challenges that lie ahead if they are to challenge for the European Championship title.

They are through to the last sixteen after emerging from the first round undefeated

DORTMUND:

The welcome sight of masked Kylian Mbappe back on the pitch could not disguise another sub-par performance from France at the 2024 European Championship, raising questions about their chances of winning the competition.

The French are through to the last 16 after emerging from the first round unbeaten, but Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Poland in Dortmund meant they finished second in Group D, behind Austria.

Ironically, Austria are the only team to have defeated the 2022 World Cup runners-up in the competition so far, as they followed up their 1-0 win over Ralf Rangnick’s men with a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands and then an inadequate performance. because it is held by the bottom of the group.

There are consequences to this, as Les Bleus now find themselves in what looks like the wrong half of a lopsided tie in the knockout rounds.

Next up is a draw in Düsseldorf on Monday, the scene of Mbappé’s broken nose against Austria.

That match will take place against the runners-up in a close-knit Group E, whose identity will be determined later on Wednesday and who could come from Belgium, Romania, Slovakia or Ukraine.

However, the path to the final looks particularly murky after that, with the possibility of a quarter-final against Portugal and then a last-four draw against either Spain or Germany.

France have been the best European team at the past two World Cups, winning the trophy in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina 18 months ago.

They do not look like the best team on the continent at the moment, which is a problem for a country hoping to win the European Championship for the third time, and the first since 2000.

Mbappe returned against Poland after missing the Netherlands match due to his broken nose. Playing with a protective face mask, he converted a second-half penalty for his first-ever goal at a European Championship.

It was his thirteenth goal for France at a major tournament, putting him level with Just Fontaine, who scored all his goals at the 1958 World Cup, and behind only Michel Platini’s fourteen.

But Mbappé’s goal wasn’t enough to beat Poland as Robert Lewandowski responded with a penalty of his own.

France scored 16 goals in seven games at the last World Cup and then scored 29 goals in eight European Championship qualifying games, although 17 of those came against Gibraltar.

However, they have failed to score a single goal in open play so far in this tournament, beating Austria thanks to an own goal and keeping a clean sheet against the Netherlands before Mbappé’s penalty against Poland.

Coach Didier Deschamps nevertheless pointed out that his team was often thwarted against Poland by goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, who was named man of the match.

“I have full confidence in our attackers,” emphasized midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. “We need them, and they have always shown up in the past.”

Furthermore, France can advance to the knockout stages knowing their defense is stable. Lewandowski’s penalty is the only goal they have conceded so far.

“The team spirit is there, as is the solidity, and we are creating chances,” Deschamps said, and only Germany have had more attempts on goal than the French.

“Maybe other teams have shown greater potential, and the fact that we are not scoring goals has limited us.

“Some groups may not have been that difficult, but our group really was. Now we can take a little break, which will do us good, and then we go to the last 16.

“The impressions you leave after the first round are not always the same later. Our goal was to qualify. We did that and now there are only the big teams left.”

If France wants to continue, Deschamps will have to get Antoine Griezmann back to his best; the attacker with 132 caps was dropped against Poland, which is a rarity.

And he will mainly hope that his team will score, as captain Mbappé gets used to his mask and tries to guide the team through the knockout rounds.