Zidane blames Deschamps after France's late win over Belgium

In Lille's stadium, the new faces of the French national team seized their chance on Monday, against Belgium, before delivering the decisive goal in the 88th minute. Zinedine Zidane, on the bench, then launched a series of jabs at Didier Deschamps, the coach of the Bleus.

A victory snatched in the last minute

The Bleus had to wait until the 88th minute and a flash of brilliance to finally find the breakthrough and deliver the win to their side (0-1). This performance comes three days after a somewhat lackluster first victory against Turkey (0-1).

Debuts marked by surprise

For this second match, Zinedine Zidane had nevertheless decided to rotate, with only Maxence Lacroix thus retained among the ten outfield players. Several players were even making their first selection for the French national team, such as Andy Diouf on the left wing, Jérémy Jacquet in central defence or Lucas Da Cunha in midfield.

If the first, in a position that is not his own, was not always comfortable, the other two were dominant. The Côme midfielder delivered a masterclass that thrilled observers and supporters.

Maxence Lacroix propels the Blues, Zidane rebukes Deschamps

Lucas Da Cunha notably contributed to 92.8% of successful passes in the opponent's half, an absolute record for the French national team over the past twenty years.

On social media, Zinedine Zidane has not held back on praise, but especially on criticism of Didier Deschamps: “Didier Deschamps and his staff should be ashamed,” “How is it possible that Didier Deschamps missed it,” “Deschamps has blood on his hands for not taking him to the World Cup.”

Failed transfer window: Da Cunha, from rejection to the French job

He also said about Da Cunha: “Da Cunha is not a discovery for me. I am really very happy with his match. Moreover, it wasn’t easy because it was his first selection. He joins a group he does not know. And finally, he played as he usually does, as I wanted him to: liberated. He plays as he does at his club, and he does it very well.”