Kylian Mbappe misfired for France in his third UEFA Euro game, but the Blues ousted Belgium to qualify for the quarter-finals. However, it was an own goal from Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen that colored France’s win tonight. Former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini went all guns blazing at Mbappe and Co., mocking their own-goal-induced victory at the Euros.
Giorgio Chiellini said, “Own goal is the best striker of France,” via Fox Sports soon after France beat Belgium to escape into the quarter-finals. France notably started their Euro campaign with a marginal 1-0 win against Austria. Even during that night, it was an own goal that helped the 2018 World Champions stand their ground.
France’s next goal came in their final group game against Poland, where Mbappe scored from the spot. Chiellini’s mockery holds weightage as Mbappe and fellow forwards have failed to score at least once in a non-penalty or a non-own-goal situation in three matches.
Notably, France only hit the target twice against Belgium after a staggering 19 attempts. Whereas Belgium took only five attempts to test the French goalie in the knockout tie. Hence, it is no surprise why Chiellini wondered if the own goal was France’s MVP. Anyhow, France is not an outlier regarding own goals. This Euro has seen an embarrassing nine own goals so far, including two in the knockout phase.
France now awaits the winner of the upcoming Portugal-Slovenia game and it is nothing but an immense threat to Mbappe and his fellow forwards.
Kylian Mbappe and Co. could potentially face Portugal, while struggles prevail
France totally depended on Randal Kolo Muani and their goalie Mike Maignan to oust Belgium. Heavyweights such as Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann struggled to make an impact. Anyhow, it is not a big surprise, considering how tumultuous a tournament Mbappe has been having as France’s captain. He led France’s only group win, courtesy of Austria’s own goal. He missed the next game because of his nose injury.
If France continues their forgetful form, it will probably leave the European giants without the coveted silverware. Portugal is one of the probable candidates to face the Bleus next. Unlike Mbappe and Co. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side has registered two outlandish wins in the group game and never depended on an own goal to do the same.
Meanwhile, the underdog Slovenia remains sturdy in pulling shocking upsets on the big stage. They have restricted the mighty England and Denmark to shocking draws. So, be it Portugal or Slovenia, France will have a challenging time in the quarter-finals, considering their mediocre displays in the tournament so far.