With a commanding performance against Romelu Lukaku, Arsenal center back William Saliba helped France eliminate Belgium from the 2024 European Championship on Monday night.
Despite playing below par in their round of sixteen match, Didier Deschamps’ team advanced to the quarterfinals courtesy of a goal by Randal Kolo Muani in the 85th minute that rebounded off Jan Vertonghen.
One of France’s best players, Saliba, kept Lukaku quiet and limited the Chelsea striker to only 20 touches during the whole match.
Lukaku, who thought he was fouled by Saliba in the build-up to France’s winning goal, finished his Euro 2024 campaign with four games played and zero goals. Against France, he managed only one attempt on goal.
Saliba was widely praised for his display up against Lukaku and his physicality against Belgium’s No.10 did not go unnoticed during Fox Sports’ live coverage as commentator Darren Fletcher said early in the second half: ‘I didn’t realise the pockets on the French shorts were this big but Saliba’s managed to fit Lukaku in his.’
Despite Lukaku’s clear struggles against Saliba, Belgium head coach, Domenico Tedesco, defended his decision to keep the 31-year-old on the pitch.
‘We have complete confidence in Romelu, he has already proven on numerous occasions that he was the man for the job,’ Tedesco said.
‘He is a complete attacker, he weighs on defences, he is dangerous in all situations. There are many reasons to leave him on the pitch.
‘Romelu had a difficult tournament. Normally, he should have been top scorer in the group stage, and now he leaves the tournament without any goals. It’s tough.’
Meanwhile, Deschamps praised his side’s solid defensive display with France right-back Jules Kounde named Player of the Match.
‘Defensive solidity is essential at this level,’ Deschamps said after France’s win over Belgium.
‘It is not just about defending well. There is also the use of the ball by starting from behind. They are gaining strength. They are confident. Jules Kounde was more offensive than Theo Hernandez, he is full of confidence. He feels good in his head and athletically.
‘Have you seen the clubs where they play? It is Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, AC Milan… I have very high-level players. I can count on the whole group.’