Home Football Deschamps says France weren’t good enough against Netherlands

Deschamps says France weren’t good enough against Netherlands

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France manager Didier Deschamps has said that his side’s performance was disappointing against Netherlands. France’s Nations League group stage came to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Netherlands. Georginio Wijnaldum’s 10th international goal gave Netherlands the lead just before half-time. Then, during the final moments of the match, Netherlands won a penalty after Moussa Sissoko fouled Frankie de Jong. Memphis Depay converted the spot-kick by a Panenka and Netherlands won 2-0.

The win meant that even a draw against already-relegated Germany will be enough to see Netherlands through to the finals. France on the other hand, need Germany to defeat Netherlands at Gelsenkirchen on Monday to qualify for the finals.

The defeat ended the World Champions’ 15-match unbeaten run and was their first loss to a European team since June 2017. It was also France’s first loss to Netherlands since being drubbed 4-1 at Bern in Euro 2008.

Following the match, Deschamps said, “We’re not going to take refuge behind absences, the high level has requirements and we did not meet them. We had too much technical waste. The opponent was very strong. For our part, we did not meet the requirements of the highest level. We played below our potential and we paid for it. The score could have been more flattering for the Netherlands.

We must challenge ourselves after this defeat and hope for a victory for Germany.”

France next play a friendly against their World Cup quarter-final opponents Uruguay on Tuesday. Uruguay lost 1-0 to Brazil last night at London. This was their third defeat in a row.

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