French fraternité headed to final

Photo credit: Warren Rohner

The French Revolution had another transformation in Russia. I would say that Didier Deschamps adopted egalité et fraternité to embrace his squad’s performance. These words are part of the tripartite motto that illustrates the French spirit; it is the official ideology of France as a country, and also the best description of the first finalist’s performance.

Deschamps knew he needed more than just strategy to take on Belgium, a squad that had the most vertical and joyful football of the tournament with multiple variations in the attack. France needed to be sharp in every zone: impeccable order at the back, knowledge to read the midfield imagination of the Belgians and accurate in the last line.

Les Bleus played like one engine; they played as equals — equalité — compact in their last third, sometimes giving up the ball possession but that wasn’t against their will. They looked comfortable defending their territory. Every French player understood and performed the specific role assigned and succeeded.

Umtiti and Varane imposed their conditions on Lukaku and Fellaini. Pogba and Kante kept De Bruyne uncomfortable, out of his shooting range. Griezmann showed his maturity as a player; he was the pace and the game creator. Giroud was the most dangerous referent in the attack, and Mbappe never lost his rebellious connection with the ball.

However, the physical effort made by the French team was spectacular to witness. Blaize Matuidi displayed the last evolutionary steps of football, speed and physicality, without losing the essence: ball control.

Matuidi covered the longest path of the game; he was the surprise factor of the French offense. When he interacted in the attack, he reached the goal line. And also, he was the pillar of the midfield when Belgium had possession.

The effort and the brotherhood sentiment were contagious — fraternité. France defended their first zone with all men available. Even Giroud, a robust center forward who barely has defensive qualities was present in the last minutes of the match setting foot in the French box.

But there was also a spark in the French performance. When France took the initiative there was aesthetic, verticality and opportunities created. Les Bleus brought spectacle when they needed to offend.

Deschamps took the French national team six years ago. He polished the details that didn’t match with his views. He’s been leading a golden generation, adapting his side to several game circumstances.

France has been the most versatile team in Russia, and even if it took us five games to see their cards, they never forgot the essential task of football: win. And to be a World Cup finalist you need to succeed and convince, as the French do.

Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.

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