France’s coach Didier Deschamps remains unfazed by criticism regarding his team’s playing style.
Tuesday’s European Championship semifinal between Spain and France features a clash of contrasting styles.
One team, Spain, has been playing some of the most engaging soccer at Euro 2024. The other, France, has faced criticism for being dull.
Spain has won all five of its matches, while France has won only two (excluding Friday’s penalty shootout victory over Portugal).
Spain has scored a tournament-high 11 goals, whereas France’s players have yet to score from open play, only managing two own goals and a penalty.
“If we’re boring you, you can watch something else, it doesn’t matter,” Deschamps said on Monday in response to the criticism.
“It’s a very particular European Championship, with fewer goals than usual. We have the chance to make France happy, in a delicate situation for the country. If (others) are bored, I don’t really care.”
France’s performance has been underwhelming, and captain Kylian Mbappé is adapting to a vision-limiting face mask after breaking his nose in the opening match.
Antoine Griezmann has also faced criticism for France’s lack of attacking sharpness. He has played both central midfield and right wing and was even benched for the final group match against Poland.
“We have 100% blind faith in (Mbappé and Griezmann). We know they are players that can change a match in an instant,” midfielder Adrien Rabiot said on Monday.
“We will need them. We are all very surprised as we know Antoine’s quality. I don’t know how to explain it; maybe he is a bit less well physically. We were expecting a lot more from Antoine, but we are behind all of our players.”
Contrastingly, Spain’s quarterfinal against Germany ended in a 2-1 victory, with a dramatic last-minute extra-time goal, showcasing two of the most exciting teams in the tournament.
“We all try to make game plans that help you win,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. “Our model is close to that of a beautiful show. We are a very attractive team, but here it is about winning. You have to be attractive, but also practical. At this point, what counts is the result.”
“What I value and analyze is the potential. And (France) is exceptional, fantastic. It has very high-level players and a very good team. I always enjoy football. France doesn’t bore me. We have different styles.”
While France has struggled offensively, it has been strong defensively, allowing just one goal—a retaken penalty by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski in the group stage.
Monday marked Deschamps’ 12-year anniversary as France’s coach. Leading Les Bleus to its fourth major final in eight years would be a fitting celebration.
