France Prevails Courtesy of Own Goal by Jan Vertonghen

In a closely contested Euro 2024 encounter, France secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium thanks to an own goal by Jan Vertonghen. The match, marked by tactical maneuvers and defensive prowess, saw France capitalize on a decisive moment in the closing stages to clinch their spot in the next round.

Tactical Analysis: Evaluating Tedesco's Decisions
Belgium's manager, Tedesco, faced scrutiny for his tactical decisions, particularly the positioning of Kevin De Bruyne in a defensive role alongside Onana. This setup limited Belgium's attacking output, resulting in a lack of shots on target throughout the game.

Challenges in Belgium's Attack
Key Belgian forwards Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku struggled to find space and make an impact, largely due to the effective marking by Saliba on Lukaku and the dual attention given to Doku by Kounde and Griezmann.

Defensive Strategy of the French
In contrast, Didier Deschamps' decision to deploy Griezmann as a winger proved strategic, as it effectively contained Doku and minimized his influence on the match. This tactical adjustment showcased France's ability to adapt and neutralize key opponents.

France's Offensive Efforts
Despite their defensive success, France encountered difficulties in creating scoring opportunities, with Kylian Mbappe's isolated moment in the second half being one of the few notable chances. Griezmann's unfamiliarity with the winger role disrupted France's attacking rhythm at times.

Decisive Moment: Vertonghen's Own Goal
The turning point arrived late in the game when a shot deflected off Kolo Muani resulted in an own goal by Vertonghen. This stroke of misfortune for Belgium highlighted the unpredictable nature of knockout football and underscored the significance of tactical substitutions.

While the match may not have been a spectacle in terms of offensive flair, France's ability to capitalize on Vertonghen's own goal secured their progression to the next round. The result sets the stage for an intriguing matchup against the winner of the Portugal vs. Slovenia fixture, promising another tactical battle for Deschamps' squad.

This analysis delves into the tactical nuances and pivotal moments that defined France's narrow victory over Belgium, prompting reflection on Tedesco's strategic decisions and France's prospects in Euro 2024