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Former France footballer wants Spain and Netherlands to advance past France and England respectfully.
Despite being a French football legend, ex-Chelsea defender Frank LeBeouf wants to see Spain eliminate Didier Deschamps's side and set up a European Championship final clash against the Netherlands.
LeBeouf, who currently works as a pundit after retiring from a storied football career, was a member of the French team that won the 1998 World Cup on home soil and Euro 2000. However, the 56-year-old shifted his sentiments aside, as he tipped Spain vs. the Netherlands as a better final for spectators.
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What LeBeouf said
France have been the meanest defence in the Euros so far, conceding the solitary goal after five matches. LeBeouf, who was a defender in his heydays, praised this effort, singling out Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamencano for extra adulation.
“I’m definitely reassured on the defensive side,” LeBeouf said, per GFFN. “I had my doubts about Upamecano and Kounde for example, who hadn’t had amazing seasons—but defensively, we’re solid, and we’re working well together.”
However, France have been underwhelming upfront. Deschamps’ side have only scored three goals in the competition, compared to Spain's eleven. Two of those three goals were own goals, and the third was a penalty, meaning France have not scored a team goal in open play all competition.
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“But, like everyone, I’m disappointed with what’s happening up front. But then I remember that in 2002 we played the World Cup with Djibril Cisse, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet—all three the top scorers in their leagues in France, in England and in Italy—and we didn’t score one goal.”
“So it’s not the first time that it has happened. It’s up to them to find the alchemy for it to work—they're talented players, no doubt about that.
“But if we look at the individuals, I think there is a real Kylian Mbappe problem. If you are injured and you can’t play at 100%, you can only play at 50%, then you shouldn’t play.
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“For me, you’re not serving France well and you’re not serving yourself well. Because you’re criticised, you can’t play to your best level. I can’t see the use in playing Mbappe at 50% – I think that Bradley Barcola would do better.”
This worries LeBeouf, and not only that, he believes it makes for a dreary spectacle. Hence, he wants a final between Spain and the Netherlands, as he believes it would make for a more entertaining showdown.
“Deep down of course, I support France, but for the sake of football, I want the final to be Spain vs. the Netherlands.
France will take on Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich later tonight. Specifically, kick-off time is 8:00 PM West African Time (WAT).
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