Wasteful France progress to Nations League quarterfinals despite failing to find the breakthrough against a stern Israel defence.
Didier Deschamps was left frustrated on Thursday as his France side failed to capitalise on their dominance against Israel, being held to a 0-0 draw, though they still progressed to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals after Italy beat Belgium in the other League A Group 2 fixture.
France started slowly as Israel’s strong defence held firm, but the hosts began to ramp up the pressure around the 20-minute mark, creating more chances and inching closer to the elusive opening goal.
Despite France’s dominance, it was Israel that had the best chance of the half when Dor Turgeman flicked on a crossed free kick to an unmarked Raz Shlomo just yards from goal, but the defender missed his strike and the ball bounced out harmlessly for a goal kick, keeping the game level heading into the break.
Les Bleus kept up the pressure after the break, creating six chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but they remained wasteful in front of goal as Israel held on to their clean sheet going past the hour mark.
Daniel Peretz continued to shine in Israel’s goal, making a particularly impressive save to deny Warren Zaire-Emery‘s close-range effort with 15 minutes remaining, keeping France still in search of the breakthrough.
Israel held firm in the closing stages as France squandered several more chances, and Ran Ben Shimon‘s side eventually heard the final whistle, deservedly securing their first points in the group after a superb defensive display.
FRANCE VS. ISRAEL HIGHLIGHTS
Raz Shlomo chance vs. France (37th min, France 0-0 Israel)
Israel really should have the lead after that!
A crossed freekick is flicked on by Turgeman, with the ball landing just in front of Shlomo, who has found himself unmarked just yards from the goal.
The defender, who has the whole goal to aim at, is unable to make contact with the ball as it bounces out for a goal kick, huge chance wasted for the visitors.
Though Olise was substituted in the 70th minute as France pressed for an opening goal, he was at his creative best during his time on the pitch, doing everything possible to help the hosts find a breakthrough.
Olise completed 42 of his 45 pass attempts, including six key passes and one that created a big chance, while also making three dribbles, constantly keeping Israel’s defence on alert.
Peretz must also be given a shoutout for this award, with the goalkeeper making a phenomenal eight saves to keep France at bay and secure Israel’s first point of the group.
FRANCE VS. ISRAEL MATCH STATS
Possession: France 70%-30% Israel
Shots: France 24-3 Israel
Shots on target: France 8-1 Israel
Corners: France 8-0 Israel
Fouls: France 9-9 Israel
WHAT NEXT?
Despite failing to find the winning goal against the stern Israel defence, Italy done them a favour in the other group game by beating Belgium, securing France’s progression. Deschamps’s side will now look to return to winning ways when they take on group leaders Italy on Sunday.
Israel’s strong defensive showing, especially from goalkeeper Peretz, saw them record their first point in League A Group 2, and they must beat Belgium in their final game on Sunday if they are to avoid relegation to League B.
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