When Yann Sommer saved Kylian Mbappe’s spot kick to win Switzerland a memorable European Championship tie on Monday night, French hearts broke everywhere.
That moment signaled the early end of Les Bleus’ Euro 2020 journey after a 3-3 draw – in normal and extra time – resulted in a 5-4 penalty shootout for the Swiss over the world champions.
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The most disappointing part of the whole ordeal was that the defeat was completely deserved and in truth always around the corner from the moment France started its campaign.
Very rarely at Euro 2020 did Didier Deschamp’s men act as a cohesive unit, completely controlled and jointly pushed in one direction. For a team that lifted the World Cup just three years earlier, their lack of solidarity was actually hurtful – and rightly so by Gary Neville in the ITV studio after the match, it was an embarrassment.
Paul Pogba comforts Kylian Mbappe after his important miss / Marcio Machado / Getty Images
Post-match analysis revealed many flaws in France’s performance, but as you can guess, one of the biggest talking points was Paul Pogba. Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Neville all claimed they were left wanting more of the Frenchman – let’s just be thankful Graeme Souness was not on duty.
Admittedly, there were several moments in their round of 16 matches where the Manchester United man was pulled out of position too easily and his defensive discipline was more than doubtful given that he was put out in a two-man midfield.
But was it really his fault?
Was it Pogba’s fault that the team’s form changed completely from what they have been practicing religiously over the past month?
Was it Pogba’s fault that Deschamps decided to put him in a midfield collaboration when he never plays two for his nation? And was it Pogba’s fault that his manager decided to play three at the back for only the fourth time in three years, even though the team has never looked comfortable in such a form?
Serious question must be asked to Didier Deschamps after France’s loss to Switzerland / Daniel Mihailescu – Pool / Getty Images
No, no it was not.
Deschamp’s call to change form was undeniably one of the worst management decisions he has ever made; and will ever do. It was never easy to enter the match with both his left-back options (Lucas Digne and Lucas Hernandez), obviously injured. But to then tear up the tactics board and switch to a system his players are not at all used to – matching a Swiss side that is well-regulated and comfortable in the same formation – goes into a win-or-run scenario; it may have been unforgivable complacency or simple stupidity but whatever it was, it was costly.
And even when the France boss realized his mistake and switched back to a lighthouse in defense at half-time, Les Bleus still looked lost, confused and completely uninspired beyond a goal-oriented 25-minute stretch in the second half. It was really embarrassing but for goodness sake it was not close to being Pogba’s fault.
In fact, the 28-year-old should be appreciated as the shining light of France during very difficult two weeks. In a largely gloomy display, Pogba has been the constant at the heart of the page. Consistently masterful and passionate and his fascinating world-class displays have made him one of the players in the tournament – despite what most around him produced.
Against Germany, as well as a colossal defensive display, it was his magic piece that led to the winning goal. Against Hungary, he was one of the few who looked up at the moment and would probably create something for his side. Against Portugal, he was once again lively and commanding and played important roles in both French goals.
And against Switzerland, he was tireless in pushing his team forward and constantly looking for the killer pass – not to mention one of the finest goals we see during the competition.
Siri, define art in its purest form
? @PaulPogba #FRASUI | #ITVFotboll | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/x8hhQ0Tnme
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 28, 2021
Apart from occasional defensive faux-pas in the heartbreaking quarter-final against Switzerland, Pogba has made four outstanding performances for his country, which shows exactly what a committed and world-leading leader and player he can be.
Instead of pampering him, let’s appreciate him. He is the last person to be blamed for France’s unhappy Euro 2020.
