A Kylian Mbappe-less France limped into the last eight of the Nations League as Didier Deschamps' wasteful side drew 0-0 with Israel.
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France without MbappeHeld to 0-0 draw by IsraelFrench into Nations League last eightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
France dominated the encounter from start to finish but struggled to break down the resilient visitors in front of a very sparse Stade de France crowd.
Les Bleus went close through Eduardo Camavinga, N'Golo Kante, and Bradley Barcola in the first half but Daniel Peretz was in inspired form in the Israeli goal.
The hosts – who were without Mbappe as he was left out of the squad – rang the changes in the final quarter of the game as they searched for a winner and it nearly came through Warren Zaire-Emery, only for Peretz to pull off a stunning save.
Didier Deschamps' team, who are ranked 79 places above Israel, had 71 per cent possession and 24 shots to Israel's three but hit the target on just eight occasions, with their profligacy writ large in the French capital.
In the 96th minute, Peretz pulled off a vital stop to deny substitute Christopher Nkunku to secure the underdogs a well-earned point. The result means France are into the next stage of the competition with Italy, who beat Belgium 1-0, and now both teams will meet this weekend to see who tops League A Group 2.
AdvertisementAFPTHE MVP
Daniel Peretz put in a world-class display in between the sticks as he repeatedly denied France's top talent. While the French, arguably, didn't test the Bayern Munich keeper enough, he was in top form when his side needed him most.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
While Eduardo Camavinga missed a number of chances for France and picked up a foolish booking that will rule him out of the Italy game, Bradley Barcola missed a glorious opportunity in the first half and was wasteful in front of goal.
AFPWHAT COMES NEXT?
France round off their Nations League group stage campaign away to top of the table Italy on Sunday, whereas basement side Israel take on third-placed Belgium on the same date.
