France secure Nations League quarter-final in tense match against Israel

Tight security and record-low attendance at Stade de France cast shadow over Mbappé-less France’s draw with Israel

PARIS:

France advanced to the Nations League quarter-finals following a goalless draw with Israel on Thursday, in a match played before an unusually low turnout at the Stade de France due to heightened security concerns.

Returning to the Paris venue for the first time since June 2023, the French side’s performance was uninspiring, yet the result assured them at least second place in Group A2.

France now sits on 10 points from five matches, trailing Italy, who defeated Belgium 1-0 and lead with 13 points.

Thursday’s match was marked by light attendance and intense security, with 4,000 officers deployed due to recent violence in Amsterdam involving Israeli fans and local groups.

Brief clashes erupted in the stands in the first half, and boos accompanied Israel’s national anthem. Additionally, two Palestinian flags were raised late in the game, with tensions from the Gaza conflict seeping into the atmosphere. The attendance of just 16,611 marked a historic low for Les Bleus at the Stade de France.

Manager Didier Deschamps commented on the game’s unusual setting, acknowledging the strangeness of playing with such minimal crowd presence. Missing key players, including captain Kylian Mbappé, who was not in the squad, and Ousmane Dembélé, sidelined with a thigh injury, France struggled to find their rhythm.

Randal Kolo Muani, flanked by Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, started as a lone forward but lacked effectiveness. His first opportunity came in the 19th minute, but Israel's goalkeeper Daniel Peretz managed a solid save.

France maintained control and nearly broke through in the 77th minute, but Peretz again denied Warren Zaire-Emery’s attempt. Marcus Thuram’s late header also found Peretz, while Christopher Nkunku’s added-time effort fell short, leaving France without a goal.

Deschamps voiced his dissatisfaction, acknowledging the team’s lack of efficiency despite opportunities to score. “We should have won. We’re capable of better,” he remarked, pointing to Israel’s defensive play and time-wasting tactics. He credited an improved energy in the second half but admitted it was insufficient to secure victory.

France will next face Italy at San Siro in Milan on Sunday, with Deschamps still considering his squad for the crucial Nations League match.