With only the two goals over 90 minutes against a team not considered favourites, France was far from the team we saw score five goals in the first 45 minutes against Italy on Sunday, a 5-1 win for France. The threat against Belgium was there, as were the chances -- and, to be fair, France should have had more goals, especially the penalty (and the rebound) missed by Wendie Renard in the 90th minute.
This victory against Belgium means that Les Bleues are through to the quarterfinals and are certain to top their group. The first part of their mission is indeed achieved. However, there were not too many smiles on the French's faces after the final whistle. The job was done, of course -- yet it should have been done in a much better way.
The efficiency that the French team demonstrated against the Squadra Azzurra -- five goals off seven shots on target and an expected goals of 3.90 -- was nowhere to be seen this time. Against the Belgians, Corinne Diacre's players ended the match with 26 shots, seven on target and an expected goals of 3.36. Yet, they only scored twice!
There was less spark from the French side on Thursday, and Belgium scored on their only shot of the whole game, which says a lot of this French team defensively. The contrast between their attack and their defence is striking -- it is part of this team's DNA, their strength and their weakness -- and it was clear to see again on Thursday. Compare that to the other Euro 2022 frontrunners like England and Germany who have dominated their opponents without conceding yet.
France's attacking talent is without a doubt right up there with the best in Europe. We saw Kadidiatou Diani with her pace and her well-taken goal against Belgium. We saw Marie-Antoinette Katoto with all her power and movement against Italy. Delphine Cascarino has pace and skills. Grace Geyoro has pretty much everything, too. And then you still have Ouleymata Sarr, Sandy Baltimore, Melvin Malard and even Kenza Dali on the bench. So much firepower, so much pace, skills, chemistry, movement, flair.
