2024-03-23 22:12:32
Overtaken at all levels by the Mannschaft, Mbappé’s teammates were logically beaten (0-2) by the Mannschaft on Saturday March 23 in Lyon in a preparation match for Euro 2024.
Surprised by a goal conceded after only 8 seconds and overwhelmed in defense, the France team suffered a defeat in the form of a warning against Germany in a friendly (2-0) on Saturday in Lyon, less than three months away. from the start of Euro-2024.
The Mannschaft has definitely become the bane of the Blues again. Already victorious last September in Dortmund (2-1) for what was the only setback for Didier Deschamps’ troops in 2023, the future host country of the European Championship (June 14 – July 14) did it again by taking advantage of the general apathy of his opponent and leaves his trip refreshed after three unsuccessful matches. A good reminder for the Tricolores and their coach, who will have some big adjustments to make to put his men back on the right path and be up to the challenge during the next final phase.
The supersonic goal scored by Florian Wirtz, one of the fastest in history in an international match, illustrated to the point of caricature the shortcomings of France against its old rival, despite being in the midst of a sporting slump before this duel. On the commitment made by Toni Kroos, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder had plenty of time to turn around and advance into a deserted midfield before unleashing a sudden strike which left Brice Samba without reaction, preferred to Mike Maignan in the goals due to physical problems. The Lens goalkeeper was just as lost in the action of the second German goal, being erased with disconcerting ease by Jamal Musiala, who was then able to calmly serve Kai Havertz (49th).
Lost Blues
Without Antoine Griezmann, a first since June 2017, France seemed to have lost all its bearings and its compass, the midfielder appearing at times completely out of touch and incapable of displaying the aggression necessary to counter an opponent of the caliber of the quadruple champions of the world.
But Deschamps will especially have to focus on the defense project. The Pavard-Upamecano association in the center was not at all fruitful while Samba is now down to four goals conceded in two games. Fortunately, his firm hand repelled a cross shot from Maximilian Mittelstädt in the second half (79th) to prevent his teammates from suffering real humiliation at home.
An outdated defense under construction
The statistic is enough to enrage Deschamps but it is revealing: in its last six outings, France has only managed to keep a clean sheet against the modest Gibraltar team during the record victory obtained in November in Nice (14- 0). Until then, the shortcomings in defense were masked by the exploits of the Blues offensive squad. But the Germans did not fall into the trap. Kylian Mbappé was certainly restless on his left side but his contribution was largely insufficient, his two most serious attempts being sterile (22nd, 24th). In the middle, Marcus Thuram, who had the opportunity to score points at the No. 9 position, was transparent and did not succeed in breaking the three-way match between him and Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani .
It was especially Ousmane Dembélé who was the most dangerous on the French side with his tumbles, crosses or long-range attempts (55th). But Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany was generally able to read the Parisian’s game well to achieve a prestigious success which will boost its morale with a view to the Euro. The French world vice-champions will have to quickly find solutions to their current problems and Deschamps hopes for a reaction on Tuesday in Marseille against Chile in a friendly. So as not to sink into gloom just before the continental tournament.
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