French forward Kolo Muani defended Kylian Mbappé this Sunday, explaining that he tried the mask his teammate uses and found that it limits vision.
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French forward Kolo Muani defended Kylian Mbappé this Sunday, explaining that he tried the mask his teammate uses and found that it limits vision. Meanwhile, Youssouf Fofana downplayed the criticism of the French team's playing style.
"You really don't see anything. Nothing," Kolo Muani said about the mask Mbappé has to wear after fracturing his nose in the first match of Euro 2024, where France won 1-0 against Austria. The mask has been a significant obstacle for the forward, impacting his performance and visibility on the field. Despite these challenges, Mbappé continues to play a crucial role for the team.
Kolo Muani, who was also Mbappé's teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, praised the French national team captain, stating that the forward can still make a difference in the European Championship, where they have reached the semifinals. "He was born for this. He was born to lift the group," assured Kolo Muani, emphasizing Mbappé's leadership and ability to inspire his teammates even under difficult circumstances.
On Friday, France eliminated Portugal in a penalty shootout (5-3) after a goalless draw following extra time, with Mbappé already off the field. He was substituted by Barcola in the 106th minute. The victory against Portugal showcased the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, with the penalty shootout being a decisive moment in their journey to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Youssouf Fofana downplayed the criticism directed at Didier Deschamps' team, which in the competition has drawn three matches—against the Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1) in the group stage, and Portugal (0-0) in the quarterfinals—and won two others by the narrowest margin, against Austria (1-0) in the first game, and Belgium (1-0) in the round of 16. "In my case, I don't care [about the criticism]. Not at all. In the end, we are semifinalists," said Fofana, highlighting the team's focus on results over style.
The French team has faced scrutiny for their pragmatic and sometimes unexciting style of play, but Fofana's comments reflect a confidence in their approach and a belief that their strategy is effective. The team's defensive solidity and tactical discipline have been key factors in their success so far.
France will face Spain, which has been the most praised team in Euro 2024, on Tuesday at 9:00 PM local time (8:00 PM in Lisbon) in the semifinals. Spain's attractive and dynamic style of play has won many admirers, setting the stage for a fascinating clash between two contrasting football philosophies. The match promises to be a test of both teams' strengths and strategies, with a place in the final at stake.
Updated: 03:24, 7 Jul 2024
