France in the semi-final “in pain”, without spectacle, but with “extraordinary defensive strength”, for Bixente Lizarazu

Les Bleus won thanks to the success of their five penalty shooters against Portugal in the quarter-finals of the Euro on Friday.

“We are in the semi-finals, in pain but still with the same qualities, this defensive strength which is quite incredible”analysis Saturday July 6 on franceinfo Bixente Lizarazu, 1998 world champion and football consultant for Radio France, the day after France’s victory, 5 penalties to 3, against Portugal.

Les Bleus will face Spain on Tuesday evening in the semi-final of Euro 2024. “We are there, we are holding the course even though we are extremely clumsy in front of goal”deplores Bixente Lizarazu, while nevertheless rejoicing in the performance of the French footballers in the penalty shootout. “We weren’t good offensively, we’re not capable of attacking collectively, that’s a problem”adds the former French international.

“But we have extraordinary defensive strength and incredible ability in adversity, we manage to get through the stages, that’s Didier Deschamps’ strength, it’s defensive balance”says Bixente Lizarazu. “It’s not spectacular”he acknowledges, “But all the teams that play against us struggle, suffer a lot, seem very strong before and become less strong afterwards.”

Will this be enough to beat the Spanish? Bixente Lizarazu believes that “Spain has the best attack in the tournament and is better organized offensively”with 11 goals scored in five games. “It’s a big offensive armada, it’s going to be a difficult team to play”he warns.