France came into the 2024 Euros as favourites to win it all. However, their performances have been below par and despite their entry into the Quarter-Final, their chances of winning it all are relatively difficult now. The Les Blues were able to get past Belgium in the Round of 16 after Jan Vertonghen scored an own goal in the 85th minute, but this now means that the two-time World champions will have to face Portugal in the next round to move into the Semi-final.
Kylian Mbappe has shown glimpses of his brilliance, but defences have generally managed to do well and keep him off the scoresheet from open play. France have scored three goals in the tournament, two of them coming from own goals and one coming from the penalty converted by Mbappe in the game against Poland.
The French defence has looked solid with William Saliba anchoring them, but the same has not translated into the attack. Marcus Thuram has been highly ineffective and with him playing from the front the French team have failed to impose their dominance over opponents. Antoine Griezmann is also an important player for the French side, but he has not been able to show his brilliance in these Euros. However, with the tournament now entering its vital stages, the duo and other players will have to step up, if France wants to avoid a repeat of what went down in the Euros last time around.
Can France do the trick without Kylian Mbappe getting on the scoresheet?
Kylian Mbappe is a man for the big moments and he has proven that time and again with the national team. France have been below par and he will certainly be the first one to admit that. There were many moments in the game against Belgium where he single-handedly tried to get things going for the French team, but it did not get them anywhere as the Belgians were prepared for the havoc he was going to create. The same could be the case going forward for France in this tournament.
By finishing second in their group, the Les Blues have landed themselves in a difficult position as far as their road to the Final is concerned. They will have to now go through Portugal and then face either Spain or Germany in the Semis before they can play in the final. While they certainly have the players that can help them get over the line in these games, but it comes down to will these names perform when it matters the most.
Kylian Mbappe certainly will be the key to their chances as he is someone who relishes these games. Coach Didier Deschamps has been with the national team for too long and has seen such situations before. They are still the favourites as they have the right balance in their squad at all positions. However, they will have to step up in the upcoming games and support their star player if they want to heal the wounds of the defeat in the 2022 World Cup Final.
