STATE OF THE GAME: AN OPTIMIZATION ERA
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Goals? Not a fan. The era of optimization has arrived.
"If you are bored, watch another game - you don't have to watch us, it's fine.”
These were the words of Didier Deschamps in Monday’s pre-match press conference when interrogated about France’s pragmatic approach to Euro 2024. Les Bleus have been anything but their sparkling best in attacking phases, remarkably arriving into the semi-final without a goal scored in open play.
Dull? Each to their own. Winners win.
Their opener saw Austria’s Max Wober stick the ball into his own net, followed by a somewhat fortuitous goalless draw versus The Netherlands. Kylian Mbappe’s penalty against Poland saw safe passage to the knockouts, but with score tied at 1-1 when the final whistle sounded, second place in the group would have to do. A last-16 tie with neighbours Belgium was next on the schedule.
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Dusseldorf played host to a tight affair with limited chances. The tempo slowed, the build-up optimized to maintain possession. It almost felt as if the ball had quagmired between defence and midfield, neither side particularly interested in opening up into a state of fluidity. So it was, that nothing much occurred. A half chance here, a fleeting moment there. When the 85th minute rolled around Randal Kolo Muani took it upon himself to try his luck. His shot deflected off Jan Vertoghen, leaving goalkeeper Koen Catseels no chance to readjust. 1-0. A laborious victory, but victory none the less.
Different day, similar story. France’s quarter final saw them face Portugal, another side who hadn’t exactly set the heather alight. A match that was near enough only notable for Cristiano Ronaldo’s astounding self-belief that he will, one day, score another free-kick. After 120 minutes of football we had witnessed 1,455 passes and 21 fouls, but 0 goals. To penalties it was, with Joao Felix the unfortunate man. France were faultless from the spot. The final four awaits.
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It could be said however, that the most entertaining player to watch at this tournament so far is, effectively, a child. At 16 years young, Lamine Yamal has been absolutely fearless for a rejuvenated Spain. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, La Roja are showing a more direct style than previous iterations, with Yamal a chief architect. Exhibiting fleet of foot with sensational delivery—look to his assists against Croatia and Germany—the young man is on track to create the most chances of any player at Euro 2024.
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The Barcelona starlet and fellow wing wizard Nico Williams, only 21 himself, have been electrifying. They appear to play for the joy of the game, unsullied by its turgid controls and rigid systems. A tandem force that show no fear is extremely refreshing in what appears to be the optimization era of square balls and low blocks.
While the pass mastery is an ever present, the majority would likely agree than Spain have displayed the best, and perhaps bar Turkiye, the most exciting team performances this tournament. Many will hope it can continue for another 180 minutes.
A quick word for Arda Guler, who shone as another youngster unshackled by the weight of expectation and fear. An absolute corker in their opener against Georgia was followed by more terrific performances. He managed to cause all sorts of headaches for Austria and The Netherlands, dropping an assist in both knockout games. His gifts of nimbleness and ingenuity allowed for the Real Madrid man to drift past defences and provide pinpoint crosses throughout. Let us hope that these dynamos are not reformulated into recycle robots over the coming years.
For all the back and forth surrounding stylistic choices, the task for each of the remaining four nations is clear. Win your next two games and you’ll become European champions. Whether a line of five is deployed behind a flat midfield who rarely see the ball, or if it’s swept to the wings create chaos, the likelihood is that a goal will have to be scored to win the tournament. Well…we can hope anyway.
Queue three 0-0 matches and the penalty lottery.
I suppose if there’s one place to prove you’re optimized at them, it’s Germany.