France coach Didier Deschamps described Antoine Griezmann as “off the mark” after the striker missed two big chances in his side's 0-0 draw with the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2024.
Griezmann, who has scored 44 goals for Les Bleus, failed to connect well in unmarked areas near the Leipzig half, with Kylian Mbappe coming on as an unused substitute as France's most successful player recovers from a broken nose.
“Unfortunately, we couldn't get a goal,” said Deschamps. “It was a very intense game and I'm happy with what my boys got out of the bag tonight, although I'm disappointed with our poor performance in front of goal.
“I would be very worried if we don't create chances. Antoine Griezmann was better than the first game [1-0 win over Austria] but maybe he has slowed down a bit in terms of technology, which I don't usually do with him. He was placed at the top of the field today because we have three other midfielders.”
Antoine Griezmann won't want to watch this 🫣 again #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #NEDFRA pic.twitter.com/VrqbO7lb66
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 21, 2024
France v Netherlands: 'What to take'
One of those midfielders, Aurelien Tchouameni, has replaced Mbappe in the starting line-up as France return to the 4-4-2 that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps has seen his team draw in three of the last six games. Maximilian Wober's goal earned them victory over Austria, meaning no French player has scored at Euro 2024.
“We are doing good things up front,” said Deschamps, whose striker includes Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram.
“There are a lot of good things to take away and you have to consider both opponents who were strong. But to win games, you need to score goals.
“We will be looking at that and we hope to improve in the next game so that we can meet our goal of going to the next round.”
Inter Milan's Thuram also showed his lack of composure when he broke free before half-time, firing over the bar as France finished with an expected goals ratio of 1.42 to Oranje's 0.33.
France in Euro 2024
France are in a strong position to win their group because they play Poland, who have lost twice and been eliminated, in their third game on Tuesday.
Mbappe suffered a late injury against Austria and is expected to sport a custom-made protective mask when the Real Madrid signing, 25, returns.
Source link
