Didier Deschamps admits France need to start scoring goals if they are to win Euro 2024.
The pre-match favorites were once again blunt in a long and wayward game that ended goalless after 120 minutes, with their manager admitting they could no longer rely on their opponents’ inability to punish them.
Portugal missed many chances to do so, with Deschamps urging his side to reach the semi-finals despite one of his own players failing to score in the opener before facing a strong Spain side in Munich. .
“We need to score more goals,” the France coach said. “When you score more goals, you take control. [Otherwise] We are at the mercy of our opponents. Although Deschamps’ side gained some good positions throughout the game, there was a distinct lack of quality in the final third.
France are also relying on keeping Kylian Mbappé, who returned to action after suffering a nose injury in the second half, to stay in the game in the final week of competition. The Real Madrid forward was out of tune again and Didier Deschamps replaced him midway through extra time.
“He’s tired,” Deschamps said. “[Kylian] He was always very honest with me and the team when he felt like he didn’t have the acceleration. We can’t afford to lose a player, but given everything that’s happened, he has a problem with his back [before the tournament] And the trauma to his nose, he’s right there. He wasn’t in the best shape, but through his efforts, he was tired.
Deschamps praised his defense and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who made a number of important saves to take the game to penalties, with Joao Felix’s penalty hitting the post. Deschamps claims the World Cup finalist’s feat of reaching the semi-finals in Germany should not be underestimated.
“We have reached the semi-finals, which is an achievement, even if people expect us to do it. For me, it is a matter of pride for my players, even though not everything is done perfectly. I want to seize This moment and making the most of it.
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Roberto Martinez has not made any statement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future after the 39-year-old’s pursuit of another European title was put on hold. “We just finished a game and it was all so raw, we’re just suffering, no personal decisions at the moment,” he said.
Portugal, despite being arguably the better team overall, were wasted and Martinez felt their efforts deserved a win. “We had the best chance of the game, I think the corner kick was 11-4, so I would say we deserved the win,” he said. “But we are talking about the best competition and players in Europe. Our fans should be happy but I think the players gave everything.
