Can goal-shy France keep this ruse up?

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The Les Blèus of France progressed to the next stage of the European Championships at the expense of Belgium’s Red Devils.

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Despite another uninspiring display, Didier Deschamps side showed the stuff of champions to stay in contention.

Despite the plethora of offensive talents on offer, the French national team have still continued with subpar performances in front of goal.

Across the group stage, Deschamps side found only two goals the first of which was a Maximilian Wöber own goal against Austria followed by Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in the group closing encounter.

The victory against Belgium followed Randal Kolo Muani’s deflected shot off Jan Vertonghen.

The defender in so doing became the oldest to ever do so in the tourney’s history. As well as adding to the rising number of own goals in the incumbent tournament.

Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann’s reintroduction into the first XI looked set to weigh down the attacking burden.

While France could not find a goal, the first half was a glimpse of just how good the nation is when they’re up to their flying best.

Dominating possession and proceedings for the larger part against a very sloppy Belgium.

While Kylian Mbappé looked brilliant in spells, France’s overall attacking play however looked to be short of their usual flow at major tournaments over the years.

The doggedness in games so far is with deserved plaudits to the defensive department. 

N’Golo Kante’s return to the senior setup has earned him the longest unbeaten run by any European player in major tournament history (World Cup/EUROs), with France not losing any of the 19 games he’s featured thus far.

France’s record quarter final appearance (6) will see Les Blèus take on Portugal in the next round and there’s certainly no better time to regain the accustomed goal hauls that’s followed the team in recent tournaments.

Tags: France, Kylian Mbappé, Didier Deschamps, #Euro2024, Antoine Griezmann, Belgium, #Euro2020, N’golo Kanté.