During the 1-1 draw between France and Poland at the European Championship, coach Didier Deschamps pointed out the difficulties that Kylian Mbappé faced while wearing a mask to protect his broken nose. Deschamps highlighted that the mask limited Mbappé’s peripheral vision, which added to the challenges the player was already dealing with during the match in Dortmund. The coach mentioned that the mask caused issues, especially on a hot day, as sweat would stick in Mbappé’s eyes, requiring him to constantly wipe them.
Despite the challenges he faced, Mbappé managed to score a second-half penalty during the game, marking his return to the starting lineup for France. Deschamps acknowledged Mbappé’s effort and perseverance, stating that the player needed time to get used to playing with the mask. The coach expressed satisfaction with Mbappé’s performance, emphasizing his hunger to play and the benefit of getting game time ahead of future matches.
However, Mbappé’s goal was not enough to secure a victory for France, leading to a 1-1 draw with Poland. This result placed France as runners-up in their group, alongside strong opponents like Portugal, Germany, and Spain in the knockout stages. Deschamps admitted that his team had not been convincing in their performances so far at Euro 2024, especially in terms of scoring goals. Despite advancing to the next round, the coach recognized the need for improvement in their attacking efficiency.
As France prepares for the challenges ahead in the tournament, Deschamps remains optimistic about their potential to rediscover their scoring form from the qualifying matches. He emphasized the importance of being more clinical in front of goal and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform at their best when it matters most. Deschamps acknowledged the room for improvement in their gameplay but remained positive about their prospects moving forward in Euro 2024.
Kylian Mbappé’s performance under challenging circumstances, along with France’s overall display at the European Championship, reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of the team. As they progress to the knockout stages, the focus will be on addressing their scoring issues and refining their gameplay to compete against top-tier opponents. With the talent and determination within the squad, France has the potential to overcome obstacles and make a mark in Euro 2024.