During Euro 2024, Kylian Mbappe, the star forward for Real Madrid and the French national team, suggested that France’s attack registered only a handful of goals because the squad hesitated to take risks. This sentiment was relayed by RMC Sport.
“There is not a single player who will step up to the goalkeeper and tell him he will miss. I believe we will seize our opportunities when they arise,” Mbappe commented.
France has found the net twice across three games at the European Championship, and the squad now prepares for a knockout clash with Belgium, set for July 1 in the last-16 round.
As for the defending champions, the title has shifted to Italy. In a tense final, Italy defeated England, clinching the crown through a penalty shootout. Italy’s run in the tournament later faltered as a 0-2 loss to Switzerland put them out in the round of 16, ending their Euro 2024 bid.
Earlier in 2022, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), following guidance from the International Olympic Committee, decided to suspend all Russian clubs and the Russian national team from competitions under their control. As a result, Russia missed the 2022 World Cup playoffs, the 2022/23 Nations League, and the current Euro Championship.
In the knockouts, England also had a dramatic exit with a last-minute victory over Slovakia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
The tournament has shown a mix of high tactical discipline and moments of precise finishing, underscoring how the best teams convert chances and manage pressure. France, while patient in buildup, will likely need sharper finishing and a more fearless edge to advance deeper into the format of the competition. The coming matches are expected to reveal which squad can convert small openings into decisive goals, while balancing defensive rigor with an attacking threat that can break stubborn blocks. Observers note that Mbappe’s capacity to influence play in the final third remains a key asset for France, especially given the ever-present scrutiny on the team’s offensive rhythm. In the broader context, the Euros continue to highlight how nations adapt to the evolving tactical landscape—emphasizing efficient pressing, rapid transitions, and the reliability of set-piece execution as critical factors for success. Cited updates from match analysts indicate that teams are increasingly prioritizing high-quality finishing in controlled moments, a trend that France will want to mirror in their pursuit of advancing past the round of 16. Source: RMC Sport, official tournament briefings, and post-match analyses across participating federations.