On a crisp Sunday at Stade Matmut Atlantique, the powerhouse team of France, staunch favorites for Euro 2024, hit a snag in a goalless clash against the Canucks.
Without their star captain Kylian Mbappe, who was nursing a minor injury from a prior match, Didier Deschamps’ squad couldn’t slice through Canada’s defense, nearly succumbing to an underdog’s coup.
Antoine Griezmann’s early attempt was thwarted by a sharp save from Maxime Crepeau. Post-halftime, Canada retaliated, with Liam Millar’s attempt clanging off the crossbar, protected by goalie Mike Maignan.
Olivier Giroud, soon to retire from his international duties post-Euros, fluffed a key volley. Substitute Randal Kolo Muani then missed a free header that could have sealed the deal for France.
Mbappe, who jumped into the fray in the 74th minute, dazzled with his footwork in the dying moments, yet his strike was parried by an alert Crepeau. This draw serves as a robust warm-up for Canada as they gear up for Copa America.
Game Analysis: Stalemate For France
No alarm bells for France despite the stalemate, largely attributed to Mbappe’s bench start. However, as they prep for a confrontation with Austria in just over a week, amping up their offensive game will be crucial.
Surprisingly, the French side logged fewer entries into the attack zone compared to Canada (40 versus 50) and managed to direct only four of their 15 shots on target.
Ousmane Dembele tried to inject some dynamism, breaking past defenders 11 times in merely the first half, and finishing the game with a total of 13 attempts. Alas, his efforts, like those of his teammates, fell short of marking the score sheet.
