France emerged victorious in a tense Euro 2024 round of 16 clash against Belgium, securing a 1-0 win thanks to a late own goal. The match saw France dominate possession but struggle to find a breakthrough against a defensively resolute Belgian side.
Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged Belgium’s cautious approach, stating that they were more conservative than usual. Despite France’s efforts to break down the Belgian defense, it wasn’t until the 85th minute that substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s shot, deflected by defender Jan Vertonghen, found the back of the net.
Deschamps expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance, highlighting their possession dominance. However, he also emphasized the need for improvement in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. France’s reliance on a penalty and two own goals for their tournament goals thus far has raised concerns, and Deschamps acknowledged the need for more shots on target.
Despite the lack of a convincing display, Deschamps maintained that France remains a formidable force in the tournament. He stressed the importance of appreciating their achievement of reaching the quarterfinals, emphasizing that it was no mean feat. Looking ahead, France aims to continue their journey in the competition with an increased focus on attacking prowess.
