France secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals despite a lackluster 0-0 draw against Israel in their long-awaited return to the Stade de France on Friday, marking their first appearance in the arena in 17 months. Although the performance was underwhelming, the point was enough to guarantee at least second place in Group A2.
With 10 points from five games, France now sits second in the group, three points behind Italy, who won 1-0 away against Belgium. The two sides will meet in Milan on Sunday, with the top spot in the group on the line.
The match took place in front of a small crowd, with heavy security in place following violent incidents involving Israeli fans in Amsterdam the previous week. Tensions were visible in the stands, as scuffles broke out during the first half, and the Israeli anthem was met with boos.
France was without captain Kylian Mbappé, who was omitted from the squad, and Ousmane Dembélé, who was sidelined due to a thigh injury. As a result, the team struggled to find its usual spark. Randal Kolo Muani, starting as the lone striker with Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise on the wings, was unable to pose a significant threat. His first opportunity came in the 19th minute, but his header was comfortably saved by Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
While France controlled the majority of the game, they failed to break the deadlock. In the 77th minute, they thought they had taken the lead when Peretz made a crucial save to deny Warren Zaire Emery’s close-range effort. Substitute Marcus Thuram also had a chance in the second half, heading the ball straight into Peretz’s arms, and Christopher Nkunku came close in injury time, but it was clear that France’s attacking play was not clicking.
Despite the draw, France’s qualification for the quarterfinals was secured, though they will need to improve their performance ahead of the crucial clash with Italy on Sunday.
