France Stumbles, Israel Holds Strong: A Goalless Draw in Paris
France, the reigning World Champions, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resolute Israel side in Paris on Friday. The result leaves France in a precarious position in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, while Israel celebrated a hard-fought point against the favorites.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half saw France dominate possession and create a handful of chances. Kylian Mbappé, always a threat, had a couple of shots saved by the impressive Daniel Peretz in the Israeli goal. However, France lacked sharpness in the final third and struggled to break down Israel's compact defense.
The second half saw Israel grow into the game and even threaten on the counter-attack. France’s attack continued to look disjointed, with the usual flair and creativity missing from their play. The introduction of Olivier Giroud and Marcus Thuram brought a change of pace, but the goal remained elusive.
Israel’s Defensive Masterclass
Israel’s defensive organization was the key to their success. They worked tirelessly to deny France space and time on the ball, closing down players quickly and making crucial interceptions. The backline was disciplined, well-coordinated, and expertly marshaled by the experienced captain, Eli Dasa.
France’s Frustration Mounts
The French players, visibly frustrated by the lack of a breakthrough, struggled to maintain composure and rhythm. Their passing was often inaccurate, their movement predictable, and their finishing lacked precision.
Looking Ahead
The draw in Paris leaves France with a lot to think about ahead of their next qualifier against Cyprus. They need to find their attacking spark and rediscover the fluidity that made them so formidable in the past. As for Israel, this draw is a massive boost to their confidence and a testament to their ability to compete with the best. They’ll now be looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming qualifiers.