By The Nexus Gazette.
July 10, 2024.
Kylian Mbappe, hailed as one of football’s brightest stars following his standout performances in the 2018 World Cup, faced a challenging Euro 2024 campaign marred by injuries and missed opportunities. The French forward, known for his explosive pace and goal-scoring prowess, failed to replicate his previous tournament success, ultimately contributing to France’s premature exit in the semi-finals.
Mbappe entered Euro 2024 amidst high expectations but struggled to make an impact on the field. In contrast to his stellar form in the World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in France’s championship run, Mbappe’s Euro 2024 performance was lackluster. He managed only one goal, which came from a penalty in the group stage, and created a mere three chances throughout the tournament.
The tournament began on a sour note for Mbappe when he suffered a broken nose during France’s opening match against Austria. This injury forced him to miss a subsequent game but returned to action wearing a protective mask. However, pundits speculated that the discomfort caused by the mask might have hindered his performance on the field.
In the crucial semi-final clash against Spain, Mbappe had a golden opportunity to score late in the game but uncharacteristically missed, skying his shot over the bar. French football expert Julien Laurens pointed out that this was a type of goal Mbappe had converted countless times in his career, highlighting his struggles to replicate his usual form under pressure.
Statistics reveal a stark contrast in Mbappe’s impact between the World Cup and the Euros. During the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe averaged 1.11 goals and assists per 90 minutes, showcasing his dominance on the international stage. In contrast, his contributions dropped significantly to just 0.32 goals and assists per 90 minutes during Euro tournaments, indicating a notable decline in productivity during crucial matches.
Injuries, missed opportunities, and a noticeable dip in performance during critical moments collectively contributed to Mbappe’s and France’s disappointment at Euro 2024. Despite being touted as one of the world’s best talents, Mbappe struggled to shine when it mattered most, reflecting the unpredictable nature of elite-level football.
As the football world reflects on Euro 2024, questions linger about Mbappe’s ability to bounce back from this setback and reclaim his status as a dominant force in international football. With his future uncertain, fans and analysts alike eagerly await Mbappe’s next chapter on the pitch.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c903yvwk8ypo