Deschamps praises France´s patience against ´cautious´ Belgium

Didier Deschamps believes France’s patience paid off as they edged to a narrow victory over a “cautious” Belgium side at Euro 2024.

Billed as the match to look out for in the round of 16, the game did not live up to expectations, though France got the all-important goal when Jan Vertonghen inadvertently turned Randal Kolo Muani’s shot into his own net.

France will now face either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight, and they have done so without scoring a goal from open play, with two own goals and a penalty making up their current tally.

Deschamps has credited France’s persistence following the win against who he believes are a tough side to face.

“We made a lot of progress and I think that the opponent was obviously a little bit more cautious, even though on paper Belgium is quite an offensive team,” Deschamps said.

“They are quite an attacking team, they maybe, held back a little bit more than we’re used to seeing. On our side as well, even though we did everything we could to try and attack, to try and score, to try and create chances.