The keys to France's miracle - the four key points of the Roosters' success

France has reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024, setting a historic record. No national team has reached this stage without scoring or conceding a goal from open play. The three goals they have scored, two of them were own goals (Austria and Belgium), while the third against Poland was scored from the penalty spot.

The only goal that France conceded was also from the penalty realized by Lewandowski. France were unable to qualify from the group as leaders, despite being rated as the main favorites to do so, after beating Austria and drawing their other two games.

They have been able to win matches in regular time, the first and against Belgium in the round of 1, even though they have broken the 'curse' of extra time and penalties.

Ever since they beat Italy in extra time in 200, they have always lost: they lost the 2006 World Cup to Italy on penalties, in 2016 they lost the Euro final in extra time to Portugal in the round of 1 in the final against Switzerland in 8 they lost on penalties and in the final of the Qatar World Cup against Argentina they also lost on penalties.

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However, France has something that explains its wonders and maybe it is not something new, because the reality is that it has been very difficult to win for a long time.

Maignan, leader and security

Lloris, the captain of the last decade left, but France had his replacement. Maignan is one of Deschamps' main players. He has made some important saves in virtually every game. At the age of 28, he has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

He prevented two sure goals of Portugal, the most concrete case of Bruno Fernandes and another shot of Bernardo Silva. Maignan is good with his feet too and radiates confidence to his teammates.

Saliba, top level defender

The center of defense in France is a 'living wall'. Saliba stands above the rest, having proven himself to be one of the best in that position.

The Arsenal centre-back confirmed a great season with the Gunners, where he earned himself the award as the best defender in the Premier League. In France, he is already seen as the ideal successor to Varane, but Deschamps has also managed to recapture the best version of Upamecano after his poor form at Bayern.

Kounde and Theo: two full-backs who defend and attack well

The Barcelona star did not have the best season with the club and was often criticized in France for his performances as a right back. However, he is successfully fulfilling this role at Euro 2024. Very confident in defense and a great presence in attack.

Theo's performances are even more surprising, as he has more tactical discipline at Milan and despite the fact that he has tried to break the opposition lines with his runs, he has never been caught in an awkward position.

Tchouaméni and Kante, muscles and football

Kante became part of the team in the last moments and won the starter's shirt. He is playing more advanced after leaving the position in the center of the midfield to Tchouamen. The Al Ittihad star seems to have made a comeback after years.

Tchouameni has definitely shown a bit of each aspect of the game. He missed the first game due to injury, but now he is back and showing great performances, not only because of his defensive skills, but also because of his leadership on the pitch and his long passes./Telegraph/