In Group D, France showed a solid style of play, and despite a surprise defeat by Tunisia in the final round, they are still on top of the group thanks to the goal difference they accumulated in their 4-1 win against Australia in their opening match. Australia, on the other hand, has risen from adversity and despite losing their opening match to France, managed to return to the knockout stage after 16 years with back-to-back wins over Tunisia and Denmark. Denmark and Tunisia were disappointing, especially Denmark's central midfielder Eriksson's lackluster offense in defense, scoring only one goal in three matches to finish at the bottom of the table. Tunisia had a glimmer of hope of advancing when they beat France II in the final round, but Australia's victory over Denmark dashed that hope. (
In the round of sixteen, France, the top of Group C, faced Poland, the second place in Group D. The difference in strength between the two teams was obvious. Although France had the better possession, Poland's pressing defense put the French backline under pressure, and even goalkeeper Lowry nearly made a mistake. In the first half, French striker Giroud broke the deadlock with his excellent run and shot, and set a new national team scoring record, and the pace of the game began to favor France. Giroud's hold-up play allowed Mbappe to get more space and eventually score twice, ending Poland's path to promotion. Poland avoided an embarrassing shutout with an extra-time penalty, but France managed to advance to the last eight with a 3-1 win. (
In the last eight of the match, France and England's summit showdown, France insisted on a 4-4-2 formation, while England adopted a 4-3-3. Both sides started the match with an exchange of attacks and defense, and France's midfielder Chouyameni's world wave made the first goal. In the second half, England winger Saka gave away a penalty for a foul, and Kane hit the penalty to equalize. However, France scored again in the 78th minute, Griezmann assisted Giroud's header. At the end of the game, England's Munt committed another foul and gave a penalty, but Kane missed a good opportunity, France advanced to the quarterfinals with 2-1. (
In the semi-final matchup between France and Morocco, Morocco tried a 5-4-1 formation, but midfielder Griezmann scored first against France's quick counterattacks. Although Morocco was once behind, it defended solidly and tried to counterattack through high pressing. In the second half, France adjusted its tactics and Mouani came on to help extend the lead. Despite Morocco's onslaught in the last ten minutes, the French defense was rock solid. In the end, France advanced to the final with 2-0, and Morocco's magical journey came to an end. (
