France's head coach Didier Deschamps remains unfazed by criticisms labeling his team as boring ahead of the European Championship semifinal clash against Spain on Tuesday.
The semifinal pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. Spain has been delivering some of the most thrilling soccer at Euro 2024, while France has faced criticism for its lackluster play. Despite this, France has won all five of its matches, whereas Spain has only two wins if you exclude their penalty shootout victory over Portugal on Friday.
Spain has netted a tournament-high 11 goals. In stark contrast, France has yet to score from open play, relying on two own goals and a penalty.
“If we’re boring you, you can watch something else, it doesn’t matter,” Deschamps responded on Monday to the criticism of his team's style. “It’s a very particular European Championship, with fewer goals than normal. 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 performances have been underwhelming, with captain Kylian Mbappé struggling to adapt to a vision-limiting face mask after breaking his nose in the opening match. Antoine Griezmann has also faced scrutiny for his lack of impact, playing in both central midfield and on the right wing, and was even benched for the group stage finale 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.”
While France edged past Portugal in a dull quarterfinal — winning 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw — Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany with a last-minute goal in extra time. The match featured two of the tournament's most dynamic teams.
“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.”
Defensively, France has been solid, conceding only one goal — a retaken penalty by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski in the group stage. Monday marked Deschamps' 12-year anniversary as France's coach, and leading Les Bleus to their fourth major final in eight years would be a fitting way to celebrate.
