France coach, Didier Deschamps, was not disappointed with the way Les Bleus played as they drew 1-1 with Poland, a result that meant they failed to secure first place in Group D at Euro 2024.
Despite Kylian Mbappe marking his return from a broken nose with the opening goal – scored from the penalty area – France were unable to hold on to their lead and Robert Lewandowski equalised, also from the spot, with 11 minutes remaining.
It meant that France finished second in the group behind Austria and will now play the second-placed team in Group E on Monday in the last 16.
Deschamps said: “I am not disappointed at all. Of course we wanted a higher place [Poland goalkeeper Lukasz] Skorupski was very good, he made a lot of saves and we couldn’t make the most of our chances.
“We had five in the first half. But it’s not just about taking our chances; you have to give credit to the goalkeeper.”
📊 How did Group D finish… #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/TgJLWSc4yz
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 25, 2024
Despite Deschamps’ focus on the positive, France’s display will create negative headlines at home. The 2022 World Cup runners-up have now scored just two goals in three games, one of which was a goal from Austria’s Max Wober.
The former Juventus midfielder added: “We need to play quickly, with the ball on the deck. We could never win in the air as they are stronger than us. You can have two chances and hit two. You can have seven like we did today and not get points. Yes we can improve but I would be very worried if there are no opportunities.
“The team is united. The fact that we haven’t scored is limiting our performance but, in the end, we are in the last 16. We were in a really tough group. We will have a break now.”
Deschamps opted to start Antoine Griezmann on the bench, although the Atletico Madrid midfielder came on just after the hour mark.
“I know what he can do but I decided that he should get a little break today,” said Deschamps. “He took this news with a smile.
“In the second game if he had scored one of his two chances it would have been a different result. Next time we will see.”
France and Poland share the points in Dortmund 👊
France finished second in Group D 🇫🇷#EURO2024 | #FRAPOL pic.twitter.com/nyoo12nYj5
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 25, 2024
Poland coach Michal Probierz was happy with the way his team played as they picked up the first point of the tournament.
He said: “I would like to thank the fans for coming forward today even though we were kicked out. We fought until the end, and we had some really good spells – that’s the way I want to play football.
“There were parts of the game when we played well, but we need a better structure.
“This was a tough competition. We wanted to stay longer and we were willing to stay longer. It’s a shame we couldn’t qualify. It’s sad that we have to leave.”
Special credit has been reserved for Skorupski, who has made a string of fine saves and now looks set to clash with the retiring international Wojciech Szczesny.
“He has been consistent in the national team for eight years, always helping, giving himself, and he deserved his chance. The way he played today emphasized that.”
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