France secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Nations League on Thursday evening, but that was about all there was to say. The team, led by coach Didier Deschamps, delivered little in a dismal setting against Israel (0-0), which led to the focus once again turning to Kylian Mbappé afterwards.
France's match against Israel in the Nations League became a focal point of discussion not only for the lackluster performance on the pitch but also for the circumstances surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s absence and the disappointing atmosphere at the Stade de France.
The decision by Didier Deschamps to rest Mbappé this month followed a difficult start to the season for the star forward at Real Madrid. Mbappé, who has faced immense pressure both on and off the field, including a recent rape allegation during an international break in Sweden, was seen as needing time away to recuperate. However, despite Deschamps’ intentions, questions about Mbappé’s absence dominated the post-match press conference, visibly frustrating the French coach.
In response to persistent inquiries, Deschamps defended his choice: “Leave him alone,” he said, clearly irritated. “I’ve already said what I wanted to say about it. Sometimes, it’s better not to say too much. This isn’t a punishment for him,” Deschamps clarified, addressing speculation that Mbappé might have been sidelined due to his off-field issues. “He’s in a tough spot right now, but I’m standing by him. He’s not going through the best period of his career, and despite everything, he was willing to join us. I made the decision that it was better for him to rest.”
Deschamps was particularly cautious when discussing Mbappé’s legal troubles, as he aimed to prevent further speculation. He added, “Everyone goes through rough patches. We have to take both the physical and mental aspects into account. Anything I say can be interpreted in different ways, so I prefer to be careful.” His remarks reflect a broader concern for Mbappé’s well-being, considering the immense pressure the player has been under in recent months.
The match itself highlighted the void left by Mbappé’s absence. The French team struggled to find creativity and a cutting edge against Israel, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw. Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté admitted as much in his post-match interview: “We are very disappointed; this is extremely frustrating. We dominated the game and had plenty of chances to win, but we couldn’t capitalize. Even though we didn’t lose and have secured qualification, there’s no reason to be proud of this performance.”
Jules Koundé echoed Konaté’s sentiments, acknowledging the lack of energy and dynamism in the team’s play. The criticism wasn’t limited to the players, as prominent analyst Daniel Riolo also expressed his discontent. “That was an abysmally poor display; it was unwatchable,” Riolo said bluntly. “There’s nothing inspiring about this French team right now. The best moments came from the Israeli side, which says a lot. When Kanté is your best player in a match like this, it tells you everything you need to know. What were we even watching?”
The disappointing performance against Israel marked France’s fourth goalless draw of 2024, a worrying trend for a team known for its attacking talent. The absence of Mbappé was clearly felt, as the team lacked the individual brilliance he often provides. Without their star forward, the French attack appeared predictable and lacked the spark needed to break down a resolute Israeli defense.
Adding to the somber mood was the unusually low attendance. Only 16,611 spectators were present at the Stade de France, setting a record low for a French international match at the venue. The stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000, felt eerily empty, contributing to the overall dismal atmosphere of the evening. The match had been deemed a high-security risk following violent incidents in Amsterdam during the recent Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game. This concern over potential unrest, combined with the lack of interest from the fans, resulted in a sparse and subdued crowd.
During the match, there were indeed moments of tension in the stands, particularly involving groups of Israeli fans. The unrest only added to the unease of the night, which was already overshadowed by the poor performance on the pitch and the ongoing discussions about Mbappé.
Didier Deschamps admitted that the atmosphere at the Stade de France was far from ideal. “This is not something we want to experience again,” he said, addressing the near-empty stadium. “But we can’t use that as an excuse. We knew beforehand that it wasn’t going to be a full house, and we have to perform regardless.”
Randal Kolo Muani, who featured in the match, shared his disappointment at the lack of support. “It hurts a bit to see the stadium like this,” he admitted. “But the fans who were here supported us throughout the game, and we appreciate that.”
The bleak turnout and the uninspiring draw against Israel have left fans and pundits questioning the current state of the French national team. With the Nations League quarter-finals approaching, Deschamps will need to find solutions quickly, especially if Mbappé remains unavailable or out of form. The team’s inability to score and the lack of a cohesive attacking strategy have become pressing concerns that need addressing if France hopes to regain its dominant form on the international stage.
While the focus remains on Mbappé and his potential return, Deschamps must also rally the rest of his squad to step up and deliver performances worthy of the French jersey. The upcoming matches will be crucial, not only for France’s progress in the Nations League but also for restoring confidence among the players and the supporters alike.
